‘TAP THE TAZ’ Liz Casey A/Resuscitation & EWS Training Officer Mayo University Hospital

There is a 7.6% increase in mortality for every hour delay in administration of antibiotics to patients with sepsis (Kumar et al 2006).

Reviewing delivery of the Sepsis 6 protocol there was a significant difference between the times documented for administration of fluids to that of antimicrobial therapy when Tazocin (Piperacilln-Tazobactam) was prescribed.

On consultation with nursing and medical staff in clinical areas it was revealed that Tazocin was very slow to reconstitute as a considerable portion of the dry powder clumped in the bottom of the vial after the water for injection was instilled. This delay in reconstitution had a direct impact on prompt delivery of the antimicrobial therapy.

In collaboration with Chief Pharmacist: Tazocin, when taken off the shelf needs to be tapped gently several times to ensure the impacted powder is loosened before adding the water for injection. This ensured a much quicker reconstitution

The information was passed on through: the ongoing Sepsis education programme Chief Pharmacist, Antimicrobial Pharmacist & Pharmacist via email to all stakeholders.

Laminated posters were designed and distributed to all clinical areas for display where antibiotics are prepared.

Outcome earlier delivery of antimicrobials improved adherence to the Sepsis Six pathway

References Kumar A, Roberts D, Wood KE, et al. (2006). Duration of hypotension before initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy is the critical determinant of survival in human septic shock. Crit Care Med. 34(6):1589-96. PMID 

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