AI-driven sepsis detection and management

Early recognition is one of the most powerful levers for improving sepsis outcomes. This solution embeds AI-driven sepsis detection directly into the EHR, surfacing risk in real time and activating standardized order sets, escalation pathways and performance dashboards within existing clinical workflows.

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Why this matters

Sepsis remains a leading cause of inpatient mortality. Although protocols exist, delayed recognition, alert fatigue and fragmented workflows often limit their effectiveness. By embedding intelligence within the EHR, this approach supports earlier decisions and clearer escalation without adding workflow friction.

How the solution works

  • Icon representing EHR-embedded AI detection for sepsis

    AI-enabled detection: Continuously analyzes real-time patient data within the EHR to identify early signs of sepsis risk.

  • Icon representing workflow-native alerts for sepsis detection

    Workflow-native alerts: Notifications appear directly in EHR workflows, reducing disruption and limiting alert fatigue.

  • Icon representing embedded response pathways for sepsis management

    Embedded response pathways: Alerts link to evidence-based order sets and escalation protocols.

  • Icon representing integrated performance visibility for sepsis detection

    Integrated performance visibility: EHR-based dashboards track alert-to-action rates, response times and outcomes to support ongoing improvement.

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Case example:

Ochsner Health

Ochsner Health deployed an Epic-embedded, AI-driven sepsis predictive model across its hospital system, pairing the technology with clinical workflow redesign and strong multidisciplinary governance. The approach focused on earlier risk recognition, clear escalation pathways and consistent response across care teams.

Results included:

  • 20% reduction in risk-adjusted sepsis mortality
  • Alert-to-action rates exceeding typical benchmarks, indicating strong clinician engagement
  • Fewer avoidable ICU transfers and inpatient floor codes
  • Reduced length of stay through earlier recognition and treatment

Ochsner’s experience demonstrates how embedding predictive analytics directly into the EHR, combined with clinician-led design and workflow integration, can drive meaningful, systemwide improvement in sepsis outcomes.

In recognition of this impact, Ochsner Health received the 2024 HIMSS Davies Award of Excellence for effective use of health information technology to improve patient safety and care delivery.

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Designed for scale

This approach is designed to work within the EHR environments many hospitals already rely on, making it a highly scalable path to improvement while maximizing the value of existing technology investments. The model demonstrated at Ochsner Health in New Orleans shows how AI-driven sepsis clinical decision support can be deployed consistently across multi-hospital systems using an EHR-native foundation.

Because the solution is embedded directly into the EHR, hospitals can scale adoption across units and facilities without adding separate platforms or making significant new technology investments.

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Proven impact and value

Hospitals implementing EHR-embedded AI-driven sepsis CDS have reported:

  • Improved mortality and risk-adjusted outcomes
  • Reduced length of stay through faster recognition and treatment
  • Earlier intervention and fewer avoidable ICU transfers
  • More streamlined workflows with less variation and delay
  • Scalable value across multiple hospitals within a health system

Common use cases

This solution is well-suited for:

  • Healthcare professionals meeting with a senior clinician during a discussion in a clinical or office setting.

    Hospitals and health systems seeking to strengthen sepsis detection using EHR-embedded predictive tools

  • Smiling Healthcare Worker Using Digital Tablet Near a Window in a Modern Office

    Organizations aiming to reduce alert fatigue while improving clinician engagement

  • In a modern architecture studio, a creative team collaborates on a project

    Hospitals coordinating care through virtual or hybrid monitoring teams

  • Female manager in team meeting, elevated view through window

    Quality and safety programs focused on accelerating time to antibiotics and reducing sepsis-related mortality

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The future of care will be shaped by how quickly proven technologies are adopted and scaled. Join leaders across the country who are committed to translating innovation into reliable, systemwide improvement.

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