Education
Education is essential to successfully implement the Pathway and initiate changes in clinical practice. It is also vital to help sustain the change over time.
The Queensland Paediatric Sepsis Program (QPSP) has developed a range of educational materials about paediatric sepsis and the Pathway including case studies, videos, animations, presentations, fact sheets, online learning modules and formal training packages. These can be viewed and downloaded from the Clinical education and sepsis training resources.
Help your staff prepare for the change by delivering education before your launch date. Awareness training (key sepsis messages and orientation to the Pathway) is essential for the nursing and medical staff who will be in direct contact with patients.
The education strategy will vary at each facility and among professions however, the QPSP recommends at least two to six weeks of education sessions before implementation. Use your local sepsis champions and multidisciplinary teams (including educators and clinical practice facilitator groups) to deliver these sessions. At least 80 per cent of staff should complete training before launch.
Education resources
Use the following resources for these sessions.
How to use the paediatric sepsis pathway (10-minute video)
How to use the sepsis management plan (15-minute video)
Pathway education with case studies (Queensland Health staff only)
Paediatric Sepsis Pathway Screening and recognition tool explained
Paediatric Sepsis Pathway Management plan explained
Use site-specific, pre- and post-education evaluation processes to assess the effectiveness of the education sessions.
If you have other questions on the Pathway refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) and Paediatric Sepsis Clinical Guidelines.
The QPSP is committed to supporting your service to adopt the Pathway and improve outcomes for children and families. If you require support for education sessions or further guidance to implement or relaunch the Pathway within your service, register your interest via the Request for QPSP Support.
Launch
Ensure you promote awareness in the lead up to the launch date. Promote the key messages including Just ask: Could this be sepsis? and use a variety of methods to raise awareness such as:
- create a visual board in a central location with education, infographics and data
- hang posters in tea rooms and hallways
- use local case studies to share lessons and retrofit the Pathway, and demonstrate applicability and advocate for improved patient outcomes
- communicate through your hospital newsletter using content from Sepsis Key Communication Messages
- establish a standing agenda item at regular meetings
- use staff huddles to provide short, regular updates
- hold a Pathway Launch (morning or afternoon tea).
Aim to have a local champion on each shift for the first few weeks of implementation, where possible. The champion can encourage use of the Pathway, provide education as needed, manage issues and obtain feedback.