Posted 13 September 2024 - 15:13
Posted 13 September 2024 - 15:13
News
Sepsis diagnosis and care: the 10 key questions that need answers
Sepsis top 10 research priorities list includes diagnostics, better use of antibiotics and management of the long-term health impact of sepsis on the individual. Specialist nurses welcome the new set of research priorities, which could lead to faster and more accurate diagnostic tests. Sepsis diagnosis continues to pose the central challenge for clinicians caring for patients with possible sepsis and a specialist nurse predicts better diagnosis would be likely to trigger other improvements, including personalised treatments.
Sepsis top 10 research priorities list includes diagnostics, better use of antibiotics and management of the long-term health impact on the individual
Specialist nurses have welcomed a sepsis action plan as a major breakthrough that could lead to better diagnosis and treatment and save thousands of lives.
The ten-point plan will determine sepsis funding and research into sepsis, which kills 50,000 people in the UK every year. The plan was informed by the experience of 1,700 nurses, sepsis survivors, families, carers and other health professionals.
Sepsis diagnosis, long-term effects and impact of sepsis specialist services
The plan, devised by Sepsis Research FEAT and the James Lind Alliance following a year-long project, sets out the most urgent priorities for sepsis research. These include:
- Faster and more reliable diagnosis.
- Long-term effects of sepsis.
- Impact of specialist sepsis services.
- Development of diagnostic tests.
Better sepsis diagnosis could trigger other treatment and care improvements
Sepsis and infection nurse specialist Clare Hird, who was involved with the study, said: ‘While all the priorities are crucial and interconnected, I believe improving the speed and accuracy of sepsis diagnosis stands out as the most urgent area for driving meaningful change.
‘Early and precise diagnosis is pivotal for initiating timely treatment, which can significantly lower the risk of mortality and morbidity associated with sepsis. Without swift and accurate identification, even the most effective treatments may not be administered in time to make a substantial impact.’
Ms Hird, who works for Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added improving diagnosis could trigger a series of other improvements, such as personalised treatments and optimal use of antibiotics, leading to better patient outcomes.
Sepsis top 10 research priorities
- How can the diagnosis of sepsis become faster, more accurate and reliable?
- What are the long-term effects of sepsis on the body (sometimes called post-sepsis syndrome)?
- What is the role of treatments other than antibiotics in the care and management of sepsis?
- Can diagnostic tests be developed for sepsis that can be used wherever the person is receiving care?
- Why and how do some people with sepsis become seriously ill very quickly?
- Would specialist sepsis services improve outcomes for people with sepsis during hospital treatment and for follow-up care?
- Are there ways to tailor treatment to the individual?
- How does an infection lead to sepsis?
- Would treatment before admission to hospital, for example delivered by GPs or ambulance crews, improve outcomes?
- What are the safest and most effective ways to treat sepsis using antibiotics?
Source: James Lind Alliance
Post-sepsis syndrome and improving support for people left with long-term conditions
Consultant nurse and RCN clinical lead for critical care Suman Shrestha said: ‘I am pleased to see the number one priority is about diagnostics – this is the biggest challenge. Diagnosis currently relies on clinical judgement and quite often antimicrobials are administered inappropriately or care delayed due to uncertainty.
‘I also agree with ‘post-sepsis syndrome’ being featured second on the priority list. After going through difficult times in hospital, patients are still faced with long-term conditions. These individuals fall under no specialty and therefore struggle to get appropriate help and support.’
How sepsis research priorities were identified
More than 700 people participated in an initial survey to identify unanswered questions about sepsis. After analysis, a shortlist was produced and further refined in a second survey involving almost 1,000 participants.
The final priorities were determined in a workshop that brought together sepsis survivors, carers and clinical experts.
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