Implementation of a Nurse-Driven Standardized Sepsis Screening Tool in the Emergency Department
Advisor(s)
Dr. Megan Lieb
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 11:50 AM
Abstract
Problem: Rapid recognition and timely initiation of antibiotic therapy are critical to effective sepsis management. Delays in identification within the emergency department (ED), particularly during triage of non-ambulance patients, can prolong treatment timelines and reduce adherence to evidence-based sepsis guidelines.
Aim: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to evaluate the impact of implementing a nurse-driven standardized sepsis screening tool at triage on time to sepsis identification and time to antibiotic administration in adult emergency department patients.
Methods: A pre-post test design will compare time from ED arrival to sepsis identification and time from arrival to antibiotic administration for the six-months prior to implementation of standardized sepsis screening to the six-months following implementation. Adult patients aged 18–65 years presenting to the emergency department with suspected infection will be included.
Conclusion: Implementation of standardized nurse-led sepsis screening is anticipated to reduce delays in identification and antibiotic administration, improve adherence to sepsis guidelines, and enhance patient safety in the emergency department.
Recommended Citation
Alejandro, Mariana, "Implementation of a Nurse-Driven Standardized Sepsis Screening Tool in the Emergency Department" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 37.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/37
Restricted
Available to ONU community via local IP address and ONU login.
Implementation of a Nurse-Driven Standardized Sepsis Screening Tool in the Emergency Department
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Problem: Rapid recognition and timely initiation of antibiotic therapy are critical to effective sepsis management. Delays in identification within the emergency department (ED), particularly during triage of non-ambulance patients, can prolong treatment timelines and reduce adherence to evidence-based sepsis guidelines.
Aim: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to evaluate the impact of implementing a nurse-driven standardized sepsis screening tool at triage on time to sepsis identification and time to antibiotic administration in adult emergency department patients.
Methods: A pre-post test design will compare time from ED arrival to sepsis identification and time from arrival to antibiotic administration for the six-months prior to implementation of standardized sepsis screening to the six-months following implementation. Adult patients aged 18–65 years presenting to the emergency department with suspected infection will be included.
Conclusion: Implementation of standardized nurse-led sepsis screening is anticipated to reduce delays in identification and antibiotic administration, improve adherence to sepsis guidelines, and enhance patient safety in the emergency department.