Understanding sepsis, and how UAB Medicine is helping
Sepsis is a serious health problem that can happen when our body gets sick from an infection. It’s really important to notice sepsis quickly and get treatment right away, because this can help people get better and survive. In the United States, about 270,000 people die each year because of this condition.
So, what exactly is sepsis? When someone has an infection, his/her body usually fights it off. But sometimes the body overreacts and tries too hard. This can lead to a big problem where the inflammation spreads all over the body. This can hurt organs, cause severe illness, and even lead to death if not treated right away.
At UAB Medicine, we are working hard to find ways to catch sepsis early and treat it effectively. Here are some of the steps we are taking to save lives:
- Early detection: We use special tools in our computer system to help doctors and nurses notice signs of sepsis as soon as possible.
- Calling in the experts: If a patient might have sepsis, the staff can call a special team that knows how to handle it. This team comes quickly to check on the patient and start tests and treatment right away.
- Standardized care: We ensure that every patient with sepsis gets the same high-quality care by following a set plan for treatment. This helps make sure that no one misses out on important care.
- Education: UAB Medicine also teaches our staff about sepsis, so that everyone is informed and ready to act fast.
By doing all of this, UAB Medicine aims to improve communication and care for patients who might have sepsis, making it easier to help them when they need it most.