Ohio hospitals reduced the statewide sepsis mortality rate by 13.4 percent since 2015, according to a report from the Ohio Hospital Foundation.
The reduction, which translates to an estimated 1,486 lives saved, stems from a statewide sepsis initiative OHA launched in June 2015. The association aims to decrease sepsis mortality by 30 percent and achieve a 14.9 percent sepsis mortality rate by the end of 2018. The state's sepsis mortality rate sits at 18.4 percent as of December 2016.
The statewide initiative focuses on two main goals: improving early recognition of sepsis and applying early, appropriate interventions. The OHA advocates numerous sepsis strategies for hospitals, including implementation of an early warning system process, sepsis order sets for different departments and regular reports to audit sepsis cases.
More than 120 Ohio hospitals participate in the initiative. Through their involvement, hospitals receive quarterly sepsis progress reports and access to monthly evidence-based educational and coaching calls at no cost, among other resources.
To view OHA's full report, click here.