Protocol Power: Code Sepsis Boosts Bundle Compliance and Cuts Hospital Stays

cureus.com December 4, 2025

Study Design: This was a retrospective, single-center study comparing patients with severe sepsis or septic shock before (Pre-Code Sepsis, PC) and after (After-Code Sepsis, AC) the implementation of a structured, team-based “Code Sepsis” program.

The Program: The Code Sepsis program is an algorithm designed to enhance the timely completion of sepsis bundle components (including assessments, fluids, antibiotics, and labs) in the emergency department.

Hospital Length of Stay (LOS): LOS was significantly shorter after Code Sepsis implementation (8 days PC vs. 5 days AC; p=0.005).

Mortality/Hospice: No significant difference was observed in in-hospital mortality (20% PC vs. 10% AC; p=0.13) or hospice disposition.

The Code Sepsis program successfully led to quicker and better compliance with the sepsis bundles and was associated with a reduced hospital stay.

Further research is needed to definitively assess the impact on mortality.