Tamara K. Porter, DNP alumni and consulting associate, recently published her scholarly project, "Improving Care of Skilled Nursing Patients: Implementation of Early Sepsis Recognition" in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing with co-authors Kathleen Turner, associate professor and her advisor and committee chair, Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler, assistant professor and committee member, and Jennie C. De Gagne, professor. 

Abstract

An aging population with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, is at high risk for infections, including pneumonia, influenza, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In particular, the number of individuals in skilled nursing and long-term care facilities is increasing and older adults are at greatest risk. Research reveals these infections can lead to sepsis, septic shock, and death unless detected early through a sepsis screening process. The current quality improvement project demonstrates the capabilities of an early sepsis recognition screening tool in a skilled nursing facility and explores process changes required to operate facilities with high quality care.

Citation

Porter, T. K., Turner, K. M., McMillian-Bohler, J., & De Gagne, J. C. (2021). Improving Care of Skilled Nursing Patients: Implementation of Early Sepsis Recognition. Journal of gerontological nursing, 47(8), 37–44. https://doi.org/10.3928/00989134-20210624-02