IMPROVING ADHERENCE TO NEONATAL SEPSIS SCREENING PROTOCOL: A CLINICAL AUDIT ON EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT
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Keywords
Neonatal sepsis, clinical audit, screening protocol, NICU, quality improvement
Abstract
Background:Neonatal sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Early identification using standardized screening protocols is critical for improving outcomes.
Objective:To assess baseline adherence to neonatal sepsis screening protocol and evaluate the effectiveness of structured training.
Methods:A prospective interventional clinical audit was conducted in a tertiary care neonatal unit in Gujarat, India. Pre-training observations were performed in 30 neonates with suspected sepsis. A structured training session was conducted for healthcare workers, followed by post-training observations in 80 neonates. Key parameters included sepsis screening, blood culture before antibiotics, and timely antibiotic initiation. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test.
Results:Baseline adherence to complete sepsis screening protocol was 36.6% (11/30), which improved significantly to 85% (68/80) post-training (p < 0.001). Timely antibiotic initiation improved from 60% to 92%.
Conclusion:Structured training significantly improves adherence to neonatal sepsis screening protocols. Regular audit cycles are essential to sustain improvements.
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Dr. Hardik Shah
Senior Resident, Department of Paediatrics, Dr. M.K Shah Medical College and Smt. SMS Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
Dr. Jaykumar Jasani
Consultant Paediatrician, Jasani Children's Hospital, Surat, Gujarat, India
Dr. Sushmita Devi Haodijam
Registered Medical Officer, Cardiology, Imphal Heart Institute, Imphal, Manipur, India.
Dr. Naiya Bhavsar
Senior Resident, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Dr. M.K Shah Medical College and Smt. S.M.S. Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
