Sepsis remains one of the most significant and urgent health care challenges in the U.S., particularly within nursing homes where residents face elevated infection risks due to age, comorbidities and frequent interactions with health care environments. Recognizing this vulnerability, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed the Sepsis Prevention Assessment Tool (SPAT) for Nursing Homes, a resource designed to strengthen infection prevention practices, avoid regulatory concerns, improve early detection of sepsis and ultimately save lives.
The CDC’s SPAT is a structured quality improvement tool that helps nursing homes systematically evaluate their policies, staff training and clinical practices related to both infection prevention and sepsis recognition. The assessment enables facilities to identify gaps, prioritize areas for improvement and implement more effective approaches to identifying and responding to sepsis.
The tool includes guidance on:
- Preparing for and conducting the assessment
- Analyzing and sharing results with staff and leadership
- Targeting gaps that affect infection control, sepsis recognition and resident outcomes
To support implementation, supplemental materials such as a Deployment Packet, Gap Prioritization Worksheet and the Nursing Home Sepsis Prevention Deep Dive are included, which provide deeper contextual evaluation of policies and staff perspectives. Members are encouraged to review the program and consider implementation.
Questions can be directed to IHCA’s VP of Regulatory Affairs, Brenda Irlbeck.