Sepsis Alliance Presents: Sepsis Fundamentals
Description:
Sepsis remains the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals. Rapid recognition and response are critical to improving sepsis survival rates. Research highlights the need for increased sepsis education among healthcare professionals, as targeted training has been shown to enhance recognition accuracy and reduce time to diagnosis across various patient populations. Sepsis Alliance Presents: Sepsis Fundamentals, a multi-part sepsis foundational curriculum designed to establish a strong knowledge of key sepsis concepts for nurses and other healthcare professionals, including sepsis coordinators, is designed to address this gap. This course serves as a foundation for more specialized sepsis training, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the Sepsis Fundamentals course, the learner should be able to:
- Describe the epidemiology of sepsis, including its prevalence, risk factors, and impact on patient outcomes;
- Recognize the early signs and symptoms of sepsis across different patient populations using clinical assessment tools;
- Differentiate sepsis from other conditions by interpreting diagnostic criteria, laboratory findings, and clinical presentations;
- Implement evidence-based treatment protocols for sepsis management, including fluid resuscitation, antimicrobial therapy, and supportive care;
- Support patient recovery by identifying post-sepsis syndrome symptoms and recommending appropriate follow-up care and rehabilitation strategies; Evaluate strategies for sepsis quality improvement and patient safety, including protocol adherence, early warning systems, and multidisciplinary teamwork.
Target Audience:
Nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, emergency responders, pharmacists, medical technologists, respiratory therapists, physical/occupational therapists, infection prevention specialists, data/quality specialists, and more.
Sepsis Alliance gratefully acknowledges Baxter for their support for the Sepsis Fundamentals program.
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Recorded On: 05/01/2025
Click on the module name/title to access the contents. Examine the evolving definitions of sepsis, its global and regional burden, and its key clinical features.
Description:
Sepsis is a major global health challenge, contributing to high mortality, long-term disability, and significant healthcare costs. Despite advances in medical care, it remains a leading cause of hospital admissions and critical illness, often requiring intensive care management. This module examines the evolving definitions of sepsis, its global and regional burden, and its key clinical features. It also explores major risk factors, vulnerable populations, and the critical role of infection prevention and early recognition. Understanding the diverse bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections that lead to sepsis is essential for effective management. Additionally, evidence-based strategies for reducing sepsis incidence and improving patient outcomes through timely diagnosis, early intervention, and public health initiatives will be highlighted.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the activity, the learner should be able to:
- Define sepsis based on current clinical and epidemiological criteria;
- Describe the global and regional burden of sepsis, including its incidence, mortality and healthcare impact;
- Identify key clinical features of sepsis, including diagnostic criteria and progression;
- Identify major risk factors for sepsis and populations at increased risk;
- Evaluate strategies for sepsis prevention, including early recognition, infection control measures, and public health interventions.
Chanu Rhee, MD, MPH, FIDSA
Assistant Professor of Population Medicine
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute / Harvard Medical School
Chanu Rhee, MD, MPH, is an Associate Professor of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and an infectious disease and critical care physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He is internationally recognized for his contributions and expertise in the epidemiology, surveillance, diagnosis, prevention, and management of sepsis and infections in critically ill patients. He conducts clinical and epidemiologic research with a particular focus on harnessing electronic health record data to generate insights that advance clinical practice, quality improvement, public health strategy, and healthcare policy. He has been a leader in sepsis quality improvement efforts within the Mass General Brigham system and has participated in many national committees focused on improving sepsis care and outcomes, including in his current role as Chair of the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s Sepsis Advisory Panel. Dr. Rhee is an associate editor for Clinical Infectious Diseases, a member of the editorial boards for Critical Care Medicine and Critical Care Explorations, and a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, and the American College of Critical Care Medicine.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP17068 for 1.1 contact hours.
Other healthcare professionals will receive a certificate of attendance for .9 contact hours.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on or available through this site is intended for educational purposes only. Sepsis Alliance does not represent or guarantee that information on or available through this site is applicable to any specific patient’s care or treatment. The educational content on or available through this site does not constitute medical advice from a physician and is not to be used as a substitute for treatment or advice from a practicing physician or other healthcare professional. Sepsis Alliance recommends users consult their physician or healthcare professional regarding any questions about whether the information on or available through this site might apply to their individual treatment or care.
- Define sepsis based on current clinical and epidemiological criteria;
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Recorded On: 05/01/2025
Click on the module name/title to access the contents. Explore key clinical indicators that aid in the timely identification of sepsis, emphasizing the importance of recognizing early signs and symptoms across diverse patient populations.
Description:
Early recognition of sepsis is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality. Module 2 of Sepsis Alliance Presents: Sepsis Fundamentals explores key clinical indicators that aid in the timely identification of sepsis, emphasizing the importance of recognizing early signs and symptoms across diverse patient populations. It also highlights the role of early warning systems, sepsis screening tools, and best practice alerts in facilitating prompt diagnosis and intervention at the bedside. Strengthening these recognition strategies is a critical step toward enhancing sepsis recovery and overall patient safety.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the activity, the learner should be able to:
- Identify early clinical indicators for sepsis, leading to early sepsis recognition;
- Recognize the early signs and symptoms of sepsis across different patient populations using clinical assessment tools;
- Identify early sepsis warning systems, sepsis screening tools, and best practice alerts to be utilized at the patient bedside.
Christa A. Schorr, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FCCM
Professor of Medicine; Clinical Nurse Scientist
Cooper Medical School at Rowan University; Cooper University Hospital
Christa Schorr, DNP, MSN, RN, RCCM, NEA-BC, is a Clinical Nurse Scientist at Cooper University Hospital and a Professor of Medicine at Cooper Medical School at Rowan University. During her 30+ years in nursing, she has practiced clinically, directed critical care quality improvement and clinical research, and served as the Program Manager for a North American sepsis clinical trial. Dr. Schorr received her Diploma in Nursing from Helene Fuld School of Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University, and her Masters of Science in Nursing and Doctorate of Nursing Practice degrees from Drexel University.
Dr. Schorr has lectured nationally and internationally and has authored or co-authored over 90 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She served as national faculty for the Phase III and IV Society of Critical Care Medicine Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) Collaboratives and three statewide collaboratives and is a co-investigator for the NHLBI-sponsored Assessment of Implementation Methods in Sepsis and Respiratory Failure (AIMS) trial.
Dr. Schorr is a member of the SSC Steering Committee and was the 2021 SSC Guidelines Committee Group Head for the long-term outcomes and goals of care section. In 2021, Dr. Schorr received the prestigious Asmund S. Laerdal Memorial Award in conjunction with the 50th annual Critical Care Congress. She stresses the importance of early sepsis identification, and the significance of patient and family engagement in her work.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP17068 for 1.4 contact hours.
Other healthcare professionals will receive a certificate of attendance for 1 contact hour.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on or available through this site is intended for educational purposes only. Sepsis Alliance does not represent or guarantee that information on or available through this site is applicable to any specific patient’s care or treatment. The educational content on or available through this site does not constitute medical advice from a physician and is not to be used as a substitute for treatment or advice from a practicing physician or other healthcare professional. Sepsis Alliance recommends users consult their physician or healthcare professional regarding any questions about whether the information on or available through this site might apply to their individual treatment or care.
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Recorded On: 05/01/2025
Click on the module name/title to access the contents. An in-depth review of sepsis recognition, the indications and timing of diagnostic workups, and current best practices for treatment, including antimicrobial therapy, fluid resuscitation, and hemodynamic support.
Description:
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition requiring rapid diagnosis, timely intervention, and ongoing monitoring to improve patient outcomes. Module three of Sepsis Alliance Presents: Sepsis Fundamentals will provide an in-depth review of sepsis recognition, the indications and timing of diagnostic workups, and current best practices for treatment, including antimicrobial therapy, fluid resuscitation, and hemodynamic support. Additionally, key strategies for patient reassessment and cardiopulmonary monitoring to optimize clinical management will be explored.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the activity, the learner should be able to:
- Recognize the clinical signs and diagnostic criteria for sepsis to ensure early identification and timely intervention;
- Differentiate between various evidence-based treatment strategies, including antimicrobial therapy, fluid resuscitation, and vasopressor support;
- Evaluate patient response through ongoing reassessment and cardiopulmonary monitoring to optimize sepsis care and improve patient outcomes.
Laura Evans, MD, MSc
Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine; Medical Director, Critical Care
University of Washington Medical Center
Laura Evans, MD, MSc, is a professor of medicine at the University of Washington and the Medical Director of Critical Care at the University of Washington Medical Center. Her interests focus on sepsis and preparedness for high-consequence infectious diseases, particularly on guideline development and implementation, as well as patient safety/quality improvement.
Dr. Evans earned her medical degree at the University of Michigan and did her residency in internal medicine at Columbia University. She completed pulmonary and critical care medicine fellowship training and earned a Master of Science in epidemiology at the University of Washington. She then joined the New York University and Bellevue Hospital faculty in 2006. In her role there, she led the evacuation of the Bellevue Hospital intensive care units in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. She was the clinical lead for New York City’s only patient with Ebola. She was associate program director for the pulmonary and critical care fellowship program at NYU for more than 10 years. After 14 years in NYC, she returned to Seattle in 2019.
She joined the steering committee of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) in 2012 and was the co-chair of the past two revisions of the SSC adult sepsis guidelines and SSC COVID management guidelines co-chair. She also served as the critical care team lead for the National Institutes of Health COVID Management Guidelines. She is the current chair of the American Board of Internal Medicine’s Critical Care Medicine specialty board.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP17068 for 1.4 contact hours.
Other healthcare professionals will receive a certificate of attendance for 1 contact hour.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on or available through this site is intended for educational purposes only. Sepsis Alliance does not represent or guarantee that information on or available through this site is applicable to any specific patient’s care or treatment. The educational content on or available through this site does not constitute medical advice from a physician and is not to be used as a substitute for treatment or advice from a practicing physician or other healthcare professional. Sepsis Alliance recommends users consult their physician or healthcare professional regarding any questions about whether the information on or available through this site might apply to their individual treatment or care.
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Recorded On: 05/01/2025
Click on the module name/title to access the contents. Examine the adverse outcomes commonly faced by survivors and identifies gaps in post-discharge care that can hinder recovery and increase the risk of rehospitalization.
Description:
Many sepsis survivors experience significant challenges after hospital discharge, including physical, cognitive, and psychological complications. Module IV: Sepsis Recovery examines the adverse outcomes commonly faced by survivors and identifies gaps in post-discharge care that can hinder recovery and increase the risk of rehospitalization. Evidence-based strategies for improving transitional care and supporting long-term recovery will be explored, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, patient-centered approaches.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the activity, the learner should be able to:
- Identify common adverse outcomes experienced by sepsis survivors after hospital discharge;
- Analyze gaps in post-discharge care for sepsis survivors and their impact on long-term recovery;
- Propose evidence-based strategies to enhance the transition and recovery of sepsis survivors.
Stephanie Taylor, MD, MS
Professor of Internal Medicine; Chief, Division of Hospital Medicine
University of Michigan
Stephanie Taylor, MD, MS, focuses her research on improving patient outcomes and developing innovative practices to promote optimal care for sepsis patients in both early antibiotic management and post-discharge transition and recovery. She employs her expertise in health services research, pragmatic trials, large datasets, and implementation science to identify and address essential healthcare questions related to quality, value, and equity of care. Dr. Taylor is also the Division Chief of Hospital Medicine at Michigan Medicine.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP17068 for 1.1 contact hours.
Other healthcare professionals will receive a certificate of attendance for .9 contact hours.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on or available through this site is intended for educational purposes only. Sepsis Alliance does not represent or guarantee that information on or available through this site is applicable to any specific patient’s care or treatment. The educational content on or available through this site does not constitute medical advice from a physician and is not to be used as a substitute for treatment or advice from a practicing physician or other healthcare professional. Sepsis Alliance recommends users consult their physician or healthcare professional regarding any questions about whether the information on or available through this site might apply to their individual treatment or care.
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Recorded On: 05/01/2025
Click on the module name/title to access the contents. Explore key strategies, resources, and tools designed to enhance sepsis care.
Description:
Sepsis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in healthcare settings, making quality improvement and patient safety essential priorities. This Sepsis Alliance Presents: Sepsis Fundamentals module 5 explores key strategies, resources, and tools designed to enhance sepsis care. It examines the definition of sepsis with a focus on early recognition and management, reviews the CDC Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements and their application in clinical practice, and highlights opportunities to implement the HMS-Sepsis Toolkit to improve patient safety. Additionally, this session evaluates evidence-based approaches for sepsis quality improvement, including protocol adherence, early warning systems, and effective multidisciplinary collaboration.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the activity, the learner should be able to:
- Restate the definition of sepsis, describing early recognition and management of sepsis;
- Analyze the CDC Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements and how the Core Elements are used in clinical practice;
- Identify opportunities to utilize the HMS-Sepsis Toolkit and utilize the Toolkit to improve patient safety and drive quality improvement;
- Evaluate strategies for sepsis quality improvement and patient safety, including protocol adherence, early warning systems, and multidisciplinary teamwork.
Hallie Prescott, MD, MSc
Associate Professor
University of Michigan
Hallie Prescott, MD, MSc, is an Associate Professor in Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine at the University of Michigan and staff physician at the Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Hospital. She is an expert in long-term outcomes and recovery after sepsis. Her research program has been funded by AHRQ, NIH, and Department of Veterans Affairs. She is a vice-chair of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines, council member of the International Sepsis Forum, and physician-lead for a BlueCross/Blue Shield of Michigan sepsis quality improvement consortium of 50 Michigan hospitals.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP17068 for 1.0 contact hour.
Other healthcare professionals will receive a certificate of attendance for 0.8 contact hours.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on or available through this site is intended for educational purposes only. Sepsis Alliance does not represent or guarantee that information on or available through this site is applicable to any specific patient’s care or treatment. The educational content on or available through this site does not constitute medical advice from a physician and is not to be used as a substitute for treatment or advice from a practicing physician or other healthcare professional. Sepsis Alliance recommends users consult their physician or healthcare professional regarding any questions about whether the information on or available through this site might apply to their individual treatment or care.