A diagnosis of sepsis is considered in any patient with an acute illness or clinical deterioration that may be due to infection. A clinical support tool that includes assessment of vital signs and lactate is used to help recognise sepsis early and escalate care when required.
Responding to deterioration
Information for health service organisations to guide practice and monitor improvement using the clinical care standard, and resources to support implementation.
Responding to deterioration
Quality statement 1
A patient with acute-onset clinical deterioration with signs or symptoms of an allergic response is rapidly assessed for anaphylaxis, especially in the presence of an allergic trigger or a history of allergy.
Guidance for clinicians on the six evidence-based quality statements from the clinical care standard, as well as helpful resources.
There are a number of tools available to support hand hygiene auditing in acute and non-acute healthcare settings.
Quality statement 4
A patient with cognitive impairment on presentation to hospital, or who has an acute change in behaviour or cognitive function during a hospital stay, is promptly assessed using a validated tool by a clinician trained to assess delirium. The patient and their family or carer are asked about any recent changes in the patient’s behaviour or thinking.
A diagnosis of delirium is determined and documented by a clinician working within their scope of practice.
Comprehensive care at the end of life
Escalating care
The Commission leads and coordinates national initiatives to reduce harm associated with transitions of care. This work addresses the risks for patients moving between healthcare providers including primary, community, acute, subacute, and aged and disability care. Information developed by the Commission helps health service organisations and clinicians identify and implement strategies for improvement.
