Disease Management vs Drug Management: Directing Drotrecogin Alfa Therapy with Standing Orders for Severe Sepsis

Abstract

Septic patients require complex treatment and supportive care measures. The purpose of this project was to design interventions to optimize treatment of these critically ill patients. A sepsis management order form was developed to assist physicians in ordering appropriate medications and laboratory tests. The order form focused on several key elements: antibiotic and vasopressor selection, fluid and electrolyte replacement, nutritional support, respiratory support and deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, stress ulcer prophylaxis, and drotrecogin alpha therapy. Guidelines for the dosing and administration of drotrecogin were also developed and disseminated to providers. Providing a sepsis management order form and other educational support for sepsis management may help optimize the treatment of septic patients.