Septicemia Statistics and the Need for Death Certificate Reform

Septicemia Statistics and the Need for Death Certificate Reform | Safe Patient Project:

Note: “Sepsis” and “Septicemia” are used interchangeably, according to the articles they are referenced in below.

Death certificates are the primary source of important vital statistics in our country – yet too many certificates fail to tell the whole story.

Over 34,000 Americans are dying from septicemia each year, a toxic bloodstream infection that is often caught in hospitals, yet many hospitals are keeping that a secret. Frequently when patients develop septicemia (often used interchangeably with “sepsis”), this results in other health problems that hospitals can list as the cause of death. Inaccurate or dishonest death certificates detract from a hospital’s need to reduce their infection rates and ultimately keep vital information from patients and family members.

Septicemia, also known as blood poisoning, is a condition caused by a serious infection that gets into the bloodstream from bacterial contamination. Symptoms include chills, high fever, dropping blood pressure, racing heart beat, confusion, weakness, pale face, sweating, and dropping oxygen levels. To put it mildly, you are very, very sick and need emergency medical attention.

Comment: But what happens when Hospitals fail to treat the Sepsis patient??? Nothing! Why aren't Hospital's being held responsible for the death's of Sepsis patient's?