Nova Scotia Health works to speed up sepsis treatment

Nova Scotia Health is taking significant steps to enhance the care provided to patients presenting with sepsis symptoms in emergency rooms across the province. Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition triggered by the body’s response to an infection, has been on the rise in recent years, prompting the health authority to reevaluate its approach to treatment.

Dr. Vanessa Sweet, co-lead of the central zone sepsis team, emphasized the urgency of addressing sepsis in Nova Scotia. Recognizing the need for a different approach, the team has been collaborating to implement changes aimed at expediting the response to sepsis cases.

One key initiative involves the development of sepsis treatment kits equipped with essential supplies for prompt intervention. These kits, now available in select hospitals, contain blood-testing equipment, intravenous fluids, tourniquets, requisition forms, and detailed instructions to streamline the care process.

Furthermore, a new care directive empowers nurses to initiate antibiotic treatment without physician approval, enabling faster intervention in critical situations. This shift allows nurses to work within their full scope of practice and has led to a significant improvement in antibiotic administration timelines at participating hospitals.

The success of these initiatives has prompted the expansion of the program to include more healthcare facilities in Nova Scotia. With over 90% of patients at initial sites now receiving antibiotics within the recommended timeframe, the impact of these changes on patient outcomes is evident.

Early detection and treatment of sepsis are crucial in saving lives, as highlighted by Dr. Osama Loubani, a leading expert on sepsis. Every hour of delay in treatment significantly increases the risk of mortality, underscoring the importance of swift action in sepsis cases.

Karen Moxsom, who tragically lost her husband to sepsis, advocates for greater awareness and improved care practices to prevent similar incidents. Her advocacy has contributed to ongoing efforts to enhance sepsis treatment protocols and educate both healthcare providers and patients on the condition.

As Nova Scotia Health continues to refine its approach to sepsis care, plans are underway to expand these initiatives province-wide. The upcoming implementation at Halifax Infirmary and subsequent rollout across the province signify a commitment to improving sepsis management and ultimately saving lives.

By leveraging innovative strategies and empowering frontline caregivers, Nova Scotia Health is paving the way for more effective sepsis treatment and better outcomes for patients across the region. These efforts underscore the health authority’s dedication to enhancing emergency care practices and addressing critical healthcare challenges in Nova Scotia.