Quality Improvement Shortens Time to Antibiotics in Pediatric Intestinal Failure

Children with pediatric intestinal failure rely on central venous access devices for life-sustaining parenteral nutrition, yet these catheters represent a significant source of morbidity due to the high incidence of device failure and infection [1]. In this population, sepsis remains the primary modifiable factor associated with mortality and the development of intestinal failure-associated liver disease [2]. International guidelines for the management of severe sepsis emphasize that broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy should ideally be administered within one hour of clinical suspicion to mitigate the risk of septic shock [3]. Despite these clear recommendations, achieving rapid delivery in the emergency department is often hindered by systemic barriers and variations in provider adherence to empiric protocols. A recent quality improvement study evaluates a multidisciplinary approach to standardizing care and accelerating treatment for these high-risk patients.