Abstract:
Sepsis remains a critical challenge in rural healthcare settings in the United States, where limited resources and inconsistent adherence to evidence-based protocols contribute to poor patient outcomes. This quality improvement project evaluated the impact of structured sepsis education and accuracy audits on nursing documentation for sepsis recognition and protocol adherence in two rural critical access hospitals. A three-month pre-education documentation accuracy audit established baseline data, revealing an accuracy rate of 52.57% at Hospital A and 49.70% at Hospital B. A one-month educational intervention focused on sepsis pathophysiology, early recognition, and adherence to evidence-based practice guidelines. Post-education audits demonstrated an improvement in documentation accuracy to 88.33% at Hospital A and 81.56% at Hospital B, with notable enhancements in the accuracy and frequency of sepsis screening within nursing assessments. These findings underscore the importance of combining targeted education with ongoing monitoring to reinforce best practices and improve patient outcomes in resource-limited settings.
Biography:
Debra Hawkins, BSN, RN, CCRN is a dedicated emergency room nurse and doctoral candidate at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, where she is pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) with an expected graduation in May 2025. With over 12 years of experience in emergency and acute care, she is committed to improving patient outcomes in rural and underserved healthcare settings through education, research, and quality improvement initiatives.
Her doctoral research focuses on enhancing sepsis care in rural hospitals, emphasizing protocol adherence and targeted educational interventions to improve early recognition and management. As a Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN), she brings specialized expertise in acute and critical care, ensuring evidence-based, high-quality patient management. In addition to her doctoral studies, Debra is also pursuing Pediatric CNS certification at the University of Missouri, further expanding her clinical expertise in pediatric acute and critical care.
Beyond her clinical and academic work, Debra is a dedicated leader and mentor, serving as a Girl Scouts of America leader, where she fosters leadership and service among young girls. Upon completing her doctorate, she plans to pursue a career in rural emergency medicine, with a focus on advancing critical care education, improving sepsis outcomes, and strengthening healthcare access in remote communities.
