Searching for ways to improve outcomes and reduce mortality associated with sepsis, health systems are utilizing solutions built into their EHR systems, and two vendors have set themselves apart from the rest of the industry.
More providers adopted sepsis tools from Cerner and Epic than all other EHR vendors combined, according to a report released by KLAS based on interviews with 95 providers. Users reported those two systems reduced mortality rates, increased compliance with sepsis best-practices and reduced length of stay, readmission or cost.
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As a result, providers generally perceived Cerner and Epic as the two vendors highly focused on sepsis technology development. Cerner, in particular, has devoted significant funding to its St. John Sepsis Agent. Providers report the biggest difference between the two is the implementation effort required. Advanced analytics are built into the Cerner platform, while Epic’s functionality requires “significant in-house effort,” according to the report.
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Studies show that standardized dashboard metrics can help hospitals recognize sepsis early and improve outcomes. The CDC has urged providers to detect sepsis early to begin treatment as soon as possible.
Besides Cerner, Meditech is the only other vendor with a dedicated screening module for sepsis, but just 43% of providers felt the company was focused on sepsis.
Of the 102 providers KLAS interviewed that have not adopted sepsis tools, 53% are considering using an EHR platform 19% indicated they are considering using a third-party solution and 28% are not considering solutions.