Sepsis Clinical Care Standard
sEPSIS CLINICAL CARE STANDARDS
In Australia, clinical treatment and post sepsis support for survivors, families and carers, and those bereaved of sepsis should be provided according to the national Sepsis Clinical Care Standard which was released in 2022. Primary health care (General Practitioners and clinics) and hospitals are working towards implementing the requirements of the Sepsis Clinical Care Standard which ensures that a patient presenting with signs and symptoms of sepsis receives optimal care, from symptom onset through to discharge from hospital and survivorship care in the community.
The Sepsis Clinical Care Standard stipulates the following quality requirements.
A diagnosis of sepsis is considered in any patient with an acute illness or clinical deterioration that may be due to infection. A clinical support tool that includes assessment of vital signs and lactate is used to help recognise sepsis early and escalate care when required.
Sepsis is a time-critical medical emergency. Assessment and treatment of a patient with suspected sepsis is started urgently according to a locally approved clinical pathway, and their response to treatment is monitored and reviewed. The patient is reviewed by a clinician experienced in recognising and managing sepsis and is escalated to a higher level of care when required.
Sepsis is a complex, multisystem disease requiring a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. A patient with sepsis has their treatment in hospital coordinated by a clinician with expertise in managing patients with sepsis.
A patient, their family or carer is informed about sepsis from the time that it is suspected in a way that they can understand. Information includes the expected treatment and potential health effects of sepsis. Information is provided verbally and in writing.
A patient with known or suspected sepsis has a documented clinical handover at transitions of care. This includes the provisional sepsis diagnosis, comorbidities, and the management plan for medicines and medical conditions. This information is provided to the patient, their family and carer as appropriate.
A patient who has survived sepsis receives individualised follow-up care to optimise functional outcomes, minimise recurrence, reduce rehospitalisation and manage the ongoing health effects of sepsis. This requires structured, holistic and coordinated post-discharge care and education that involves the patient, their family, carer, general practitioner and other clinicians. Support and information are provided to the family or carer of a patient who has died from sepsis.