Association of a sepsis initiative on broad spectrum antibiotic use and outcomes in an ED population.

Introduction: Sepsis identification and treatment is a priority for emergency department (ED) providers and payors alike. However, aggressive metrics aimed at improving sepsis care could have unintended consequences for patients who do not have sepsis.

Methods: All ED patient visits for a one month period before and after a quality initiative to increase early antibiotic use in septic patients were included.