Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock at UCSF

Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock is a devastating and debilitating disease that carries a high morbidity and mortality rate. The research has shown that through the use of an early goal directed protocol, following the recommendations of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign, mortality from sepsis will be reduced and quality of life for the patients after hospitalization will improve. At UCSF Medical Center, baseline data revealed that Sepsis Mortality Rate was 20%. Previous to 2011, there was no formal protocol or procedure to guide providers in the care of sepsis. Also, there was no formal screening process for bedside nurses and providers to help detect sepsis at its earliest stages. Without these essential tools, opportunities to catch sepsis in its earliest stages and initiate lifesaving therapies were missed.