Implementing Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines and Mortality of Adult Patients in Intensive Care Units: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Background: Sepsis is a common dangerous body response to infection that can deteriorate into septic shock. Both sepsis and septic shock require early and timely managed care, which can be implemented by using the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines for management of sepsis and septic shock. The purpose of this study was to examine the literature related to the effect of implementing SSC guidelines for management of sepsis and septic shock on adult patients’ mortality rate in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Methods: The method of Whittemore and Knafl was used to guide this integrative literature review. The literature search revealed 16 eligible quantitative research studies between 2004 and 2018. The quality of methods used in the included articles was assessed and data were analyzed. Results: Results showed that implementing SSC guidelines reduced the mortality rate among adult patients in ICUs. In addition, implementing selected practices from SSC guidelines, such as collecting blood cultures and administration of a broad-spectrum antibiotic and vasopressors were found to decrease the mortality rate among adult patients in ICUs. The SSC guidelines need to be taught to nurses and nursing students to increase their awareness and capability of implementing these guidelines in clinical practice.