Implementation of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines for severe sepsis and septic shock: we could go faster.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of applying sepsis bundles in the intensive care unit (ICU) and their effect on outcomes.

METHODS: In this prospective, observational study in a 31-bed capacity department of intensive care, we measured the time taken to perform sepsis bundle interventions in 69 consecutive patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.

RESULTS: Compliance with the 6-hour bundle was obtained in 44 (72%) of 61 patients; these patients had a lower mortality rate (16% vs 41%, P = .04) and shorter ICU stay (median [range], 5 [3-10] vs 9 [6-19] days, P = .01) than other patients. Compliance with the 24-hour bundle was obtained in 30 (67%) of 44 eligible patients. The mortality rate and duration of ICU stay were not significantly lower in the 24-hour compliant as compared with the noncompliant group (23% vs 33% and 6 [4-11] vs 9 [6-25] days, respectively; P value is not significant). Patients who complied with the 24-hour sepsis bundle after only 12 hours had a lower mortality rate (10% vs 39%, P = .036) and shorter stay (6 [4-10] vs 9 [6-25] days, P = .055) than those who were compliant after 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS: Correct application of the sepsis bundles was associated with reduced mortality and length of ICU stay. Earlier implementation of the 24-hour management bundle could result in better outcomes.