Sepsis: A Review for the Healthcare Team

Course overview

Sepsis is a complex, multifactorial condition that results in high healthcare costs and significant morbidity and mortality. The definitions of sepsis, septic shock, and organ dysfunction were established in 1991. Over the past 20 years, more research has been conducted on sepsis pathophysiology and management, and several new antibiotics have been approved. A new guideline was released in 2016 that reexamines sepsis and associated definitions and provides updated recommendations for managing patients with sepsis. Interprofessional healthcare teams have been shown to improve patient outcomes and are essential in caring for critically ill patients. It is therefore important for each member of the team to understand sepsis and collaborate to provide the best care. This program will review sepsis guidelines, comment on updates from previous guidelines, and provide information regarding the management of sepsis from different aspects of the healthcare team.