CDC launches sepsis programs for hospitals

With support from the American Hospital Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched the Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements initiative. The program will provide hospitals with a blueprint to managing medical emergencies stemming from sepsis. Modeled after a similar effort for antibiotic stewardship, the CDC wants the program to be a manager’s guide to organizing staff and making resources available to improve sepsis care and increase survival rates. The CDC’s 2022 survey of 5,221 hospitals found 73% report having sepsis teams; 55% report team leaders have dedicated time to manage sepsis programs. During Sepsis Awareness Month in September, the CDC is providing educational information to health care professionals, patients and caregivers about preventing infections that can lead to sepsis through its Get Ahead of Sepsis campaign. (AHA News article, 8/24/23)