Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that requires rapid recognition and intervention to prevent poor patient outcomes. Delays in identification remain a significant concern for patient safety, particularly among nurses and nursing students who may lack confidence and clinical judgment in early sepsis recognition (Marsack et al., 2022). This evidence-based practice project aimed to examine the existing evidence on sepsis education and evaluate the effectiveness of simulation-based learning in improving clinical judgment and sepsis recognition, with the goal of informing a potential sepsis training initiative for nursing students.
A literature review of six peer-reviewed studies (2022–2026) was conducted using the PubMed database. Findings consistently demonstrate that simulation-based learning enhances knowledge, confidence, clinical judgment, and early recognition of sepsis. Blended approaches incorporating simulation with additional support methods further improved learning outcomes and patient care processes. However, evidence also indicates that knowledge retention declines over time, emphasizing the need for reinforcement (Choy et al., 2022; Cuesta-Montero et al., 2023; Marsack et al., 2022; Martinez & Aronson, 2024; Rechter et al., 2022; Regina-de-Carvalho et al., 2026).
Guided by the ACE Star Model of Knowledge Transformation, this project initiative proposes the integration of high-fidelity sepsis simulation into nursing education, particularly due to the limited student exposure to high-acuity sepsis cases in clinical settings (Martinez & Aronson, 2024). Simulation-based training provides a practical and effective approach for bridging the gap between theory and clinical practice, ultimately enhancing student knowledge and skills, and fostering competent nurses who contribute to improved patient outcomes (Mulyadi et al., 2021).
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Christine Hober
Department/Program
Nursing
Submission Type
online only poster
Date
3-27-2026
Rights
Copyright the Author(s)
Recommended Citation
Zavala, Blanca A.
(2026)
"Early Sepsis-Recognition Simulation Training: An Evidence-Based Initiative,"
SACAD: Scholarly Activities: Vol. 2026, Article 134.
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/sacad/vol2026/iss2026/134
Included in
Critical Care Nursing Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Other Nursing Commons, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Commons
