illustration of sepsis

Great Plains Quality Innovation Network Awarded Contract to Reduce Sepsis Harm and Death

Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of an infectious process that without rapid diagnosis and treatment can quickly progress to tissue damage, organ failure and death.

The Great Plains Quality Innovation Network (QIN) is pleased to announce it will be working to increase awareness and knowledge of sepsis. We will focus our engagement on one rural community in each of our states where the greatest impact can be made. The knowledge and awareness obtained will be spread to other communities and healthcare providers in the region via resources, trainings and sharing of best practices.This opportunity is made possible through special funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

258,000 Americans die each year from sepsis. Alarmingly, mortality increases 8 percent with each hour an individual does not receive treatment for sepsis. In rural areas, this is especially problematic as the nearest hospital may be 90 miles away. Another contributing factor to the complexity of this issue is the symptoms of sepsis may not be recognized immediately or at all. The symptoms are often attributed to other diagnoses contributing to delayed treatment, increasing the risk.

Signs and symptoms of sepsis infographic

For the next two years, the Great Plans QIN team will provide evidence-based tools, resources, training, and subject matter experts to reach rural communities and raise awareness of sepsis as a medical emergency. Targeted community partners include emergency medical services teams, patients and family members and rural community providers. Often these are the individuals first responding to individuals with sepsis. Awareness of the signs and symptoms of sepsis is critical knowledge that can save lives.

“Great Plains QIN team members will partner with community providers within the four-state area to help raise awareness and help educate on the signs of sepsis. We believe, through this concerted effort and partnerships, improvements can be made in early recognition and treatment of sepsis to improve outcomes and prevent unnecessary deaths. We look forward to beginning this important work,” stated Ryan Sailor, Network Director.

We will share more information and updates as this project gets underway.