Purpose of Project: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s dysregulated response to infection. Older adults in nursing homes are especially vulnerable due to their comorbidities, delayed recognition, and limited resources, resulting in higher ICU admissions, longer hospital stays, and increased mortality. Early detection in this setting remains challenging. This quality improvement project evaluated the effectiveness of implementing the 3-100s Sepsis Screening Tool on sepsis identification and provider notification rates in a nursing home.Methodology: This pre- and post-implementation project design in a 120-bed skilled nursing facility in New Jersey involved chart reviews before and after staff education. Frequency counts measured screening tool use and provider notification.Results: A total of 73 staff members participated in sepsis education sessions (48 CNAs, 9 LPNs, and 16 RNs). There was no documentation that staff used the screening tool (0%) when residents met sepsis criteria, nor evidence of provider notification (0%). Implications for Practice: Although measurable improvement was not observed, findings align with literature showing education alone does not always drive behavior change. Sustained strategies are needed to strengthen sepsis awareness and accountability. Continued reinforcement of the 3-100s tool supports earlier detection, timely treatment, reduced hospital transfers, and improved resident outcomes.
Yvonne Trapp (Thu,) studied this question.