30117 Severe Sepsis/Septic Shock CMS Core Measure Success: Part 1

Course overview

Each year, there are around 750,000 cases of sepsis in the United States, 210,000 of these cases resulting in fatality. With the increase of invasive procedures and patients with compromised immune systems, sepsis cases are expected to increase. In October 2015, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and The Joint Commission (TJC) initiated a Sepsis Core Measure for 4,000 hospitals accredited by TJC, and the standard for compliance is set at ninety-six percent. Performance of Core Measures is publicly reported by CMS, and is an ongoing component of TJC accreditation. In order to assist in the early identification and treatment of sepsis, thereby reducing mortality, it is essential for nurses to become educated regarding the Sepsis Core Measures set forth by the CMC and TJC.