UMMS Unified Definition of Sepsis

The introduction of this definition is supported by the flyer, education slide deck and FAQ provided. 

Since June 2021, Dr Jason Heavner led a subgroup of content experts as part of the UMMS Sepsis Program, engaging with Hospitalists, ICU Directors and EMLOC leaders to research, vet, define and approve the following clinically-led definition that has now been endorsed by the system Clinical Performance Council, CMO/CNO Council and UMMS Quality Board.  

The definition providers greater specificity; removing the necessity for severe sepsis.   Establishing a shared system definition will increase our ability to measure performance and reduce the variability in the rates of infection diagnosis across the system. We are confident that this clinically-led definition will promote a more sensitive and consistent level of sepsis diagnosis; laying the ground work for further improvement within the EMR.

Please help us by:  

• Posting the attached Sepsis Definition Flyer where it can be easily seen in provider break rooms, on provider notice boards and near computers
• Include the Sepsis Definition Flyer in related provider newsletters and in updates to medical committees
• Review the attached Sepsis Definition Education slide deck during medical team meetings, huddles, orientations and trainings
• Note the definition is supported by a new smartphrase - .sepsisdx
• Note that HIM and Coding colleagues will also be reinforcing this education and be updating their templates and policy to support of this change and their queries. 
• Nursing Practice Parcel – Outline of information to raise awareness across system nurses on the new sepsis definition. This parcel was shared via system Clinical Education and Professional Development representatives in July 2022.