Healthcare Professional (HCP) Resources

All Healthcare Professionals

Infections put your patients at risk for sepsis. Be alert to the signs, and if you suspect sepsis, act fast.

Healthcare professionals can:

• Know sepsis signs to identify and treat patients early.
• Act fast if you suspect sepsis.
• Prevent infections by following infection control practices (e.g. hand hygiene, catheter removal) and ensuring patients receive recommended vaccines.
• Educate your patients and their families about:
  • Preventing infections.
  • Keeping scrapes and wounds clean.
  • Managing chronic conditions.
  • Recognizing early signs of worsening infection and sepsis and seeking immediate care if signs are present.

Hospitals, Home Care, and Long-Term Care

You can protect your patients by recognizing and treating sepsis quickly.

If you suspect sepsis:

• Immediately alert clinician in charge if it is not you.
• Know your facility’s existing guidance for diagnosing and managing sepsis.
• Start antibiotics as soon as possible, in addition to other therapies appropriate for that individual patient.
• Check patient progress frequently. Reassess antibiotic therapy 24-48 hours to stop or adjust therapy if needed. Be sure antibiotic type, dose, and duration are correct.

Urgent Care Centers