SOFA Scoring

[Jlucasrn92]

With the new definition of sepsis published in Sepsis 3.0, it was recommended to lose the SIRS criteria and assess patients using the SOFA score. In my MICU, we have begun assessing EVERY patient using the SOFA score. However, there seems to be a lot of confusion. The sepsis 3 papers suggest that a change in the SOFA score >2 is indicative of sepsis (or at least calls for a consideration). However, on my units, nurses are getting scores that are drastically different.

Has anyone out there been using the SOFA score? Have you been having issues? What has helped? Is it effective?

[AngelRN27]

Hello,

How new is this SOFA scoring? I currently work a PCU/ICU and haven't heard of this yet. We currently use the SIRS method. I am also PCCN certified (granted by the AACN) who uses the latest evidence-based practice and they still publish SIRS information.

Just curious about how the SOFA scoring works, what it entails.

Thanks

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Published this february. We saw the drafts last year & the consensus in my ed was the sofa protocol would increase the number of pts deemed septic. And we're still using sirs.

Here ya go:

JAMA Network | JAMA | The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3)

[Jlucasrn92]

AngelRN27-

In Feb 2016 a committee was formed to review the current Sepsis definitions and protocols. In this paper, the committee recommended no longer using the SIRS criteria as it is too easily triggered by non-septic patients. The SOFA (or sequential organ failure assessment) was recommended as a new assessment. Note the article that is posted with the other comment.