In-Patient Sepsis Algorithm
(Exercising Clinical Judgment)
Sepsis Screen
NEWS ≥ 4 (or ≥ 5 on oxygen) and
suspicion of infection
Check for 1, 2 or 3
Screening and Medical Review – 1 hour
At risk of neutropenia, e.g. Systemic inflammatory
Clinical evidence of new
1 on chemotherapy/ 2 onset organ dysfunction
3 response (≥2 SIRS)
radiotherapy plus ≥ 1 co-morbidity
Actions Actions
Screen Positive Screen Negative
1. Escalate as per NEWS protocol
1. Follow usual management pathway
2. Place sepsis form with
2. Usual NEWS escalation protocol
documentation
Medical Review
History & examinations supports infection as likely cause of presentation
This is Time Zero
Urgent Anaesthetic/
Complete Give antimicrobials as per
By 1 hour
local antimicrobial guideline Critical Care review for:
Fluid resistant Shock,
Sepsis 6 Bundle Assess for
source control
Respiratory failure,
Purpuric rash
Assess patient’s clinical status
Review blood tests and other
Escalate for source control
investigations Review differential
Repeat lactate if 1st abnormal or Critical Care
diagnosis
as indicated
By 3 hours
Continue fluid resuscitation as indicated
Infection and organ Infection no organ Aetiology unclear +
dysfunction – dysfunction Organ dysfunction Non-infective aetiology
This is SEPSIS
This is INFECTION Continue IV antimicrobials STOP antimicrobials
On pressors –
This is SEPTIC SHOCK Usual treatment pathway until senior review
Complete and sign the Sepsis Form
Assess clinical, haematological and biochemical response to treatment
In-Patient Sepsis Algorithm Short Version - 27/08/2018
Daily Review
Follow local antimicrobial guideline
Deteriorating
Improving No change Urgent senior input.
Follow “Start Smart then Focus” Review diagnosis and treatment, Review diagnosis and treatment.
policy check for source control Consider microbiology review.
Consider Critical Care review.