Thames Valley & Wessex Paediatric Sepsis Screening Tool
Project Report, March 2017
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Background
​Paediatric Sepsis Screening Tool developed by pan Wessex multidisciplinary group of clinicians to effectively screen all paediatric patients presenting to hospital acutely with illness for possible sepsis. This also assists with compliance with the current sepsis CQUINs.

Brief description including setting (e.g. ward based, community etc)
All unwell paediatric patients presenting to hospital can be screened at the front door by a first line member of staff of any grade for possible sepsis. This enables swift escalation of care if concerns are identified.

Improvement methodologies
13 PDSA cycles and 2 large audits

How will we know a change is an improvement? (what are your measures?)
Screening tool use, sensitivity, specificity and ease of use all audited vs current NICE sepsis guideline. TVW tool compares favourably with less non-septic patients triggering immediate senior review than NICE and more concise and user friendly.

Outcome
Patients quickly, easily and successfully screened with established pathways for immediate senior clinician reviews in both the ED and on PAU leading to prompt assessment, decision making and escalation or de-escalation of care where appropriate. Nursing staff engaged and find the tool both useful, helpful and empowering when assessing the sick child. CQUIN targets now being met.

Details of where published/presented
Presented at TVW PCCN, PSC networks meetings and invited to present at UCL sepsis masterclass in London and at PSC National event.

Project lead, role and contact details
Dr Helen Rutkowska, Consultant Paediatrician - [email protected]​

Resources
Completed sepsis trigger tool available on the Guidelines page under the Tools tab