Think Sepsis: Risk Management Strategies for Early Sepsis Recognition

This article presents case studies based on NORCAL Group closed claims to introduce strategies for decreasing sepsis morbidity and mortality through early detection, focusing on emergency department, hospital inpatient, and primary care environments. All of these closed claims included errors that were not specific to sepsis, but nonetheless delayed its diagnosis. Consequently, even though sepsis diagnosis and screening tools continue to evolve, basic risk management and patient safety strategies, paired with a heightened awareness of sepsis, may go a long way in reducing morbidity and mortality.