Campus Location
Dallas Campus (Online)
Date of Award
2-2026
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4648-9896
Document Type
DNP Project
Department
Nursing
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Committee Chair or Primary Advisor
Lawrence Santiago
Second Committee Member or Secondary Advisor
Mary Katherine White
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that negatively affects patients and healthcare organizations worldwide. Consequently, sepsis survivors are presented with even greater health risks following acute hospitalizations, and the financial implications on healthcare organizations increase with each patient readmission. This quality improvement project studied the impact of the LACE Index Scoring Tool on sepsis readmissions within a single healthcare organization in the southern region of the United States. Per quality metric data, sepsis readmissions have remained a prevalent issue at the project site. The purpose of this doctoral project was to reduce 30-day sepsis readmissions following the implementation of the LACE Index Scoring Tool. The literature has suggested that this evidence-based tool has been used to predict readmissions. Through quantitative methodology, seven subjects were conveniently sampled over 8 weeks who received the LACE Index Scoring Tool and subsequent patient-specific education. The sample population included adult patients discharging from the project unit following an acute hospitalization with a diagnosis of sepsis. The investigator collected data from completed tool sheets, deidentified by the designated agent, organized in Excel and then processed and cleansed through R version 4.0.1. The data analysis revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the 30-day readmission rate between the pre- and postintervention groups. Although 30-day sepsis readmissions did not decrease after implementing the LACE Index Scoring Tool, this project advanced the nursing practice through patient-centeredness, evidence-based practice, and enhanced communication between patients and bedside nurses. Future projects are recommended, allowing for a larger sample size, to determine statistical significance, if any, regarding the ability of the LACE Index Scoring Tool to reduce sepsis readmissions and improve patient health outcomes and organizational well-being.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Keaty Sheppard, Tabitha M., "Impact of the LACE Index Scoring Tool on Sepsis Readmissions" (2026). Digital Commons @ ACU, Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 987.
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/etd/987