'Significant gaps' in sepsis care create a challenge for early diagnosis

The growing focus on sepsis comes in parallel with increased fears about resistance to antibiotics, known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This is often linked to over-use of antibiotics since the discovery of the drugs.

“Significant gaps” in sepsis care make early diagnosis challenging, while many patients face “fear and isolation”, the School of Public Health in University College Cork has warned.

Its report, published on Monday, also found public knowledge of the life-threatening condition is poor. A new mother described her baby’s experience with sepsis in the report.

“I just felt he was quite lethargic, he was quite flat,” Eimear said, adding: “In my heart, I just felt there was something more to it. When I brought him to hospital at 15 days old, they basically said that he had sepsis.” 

Within days, doctors could see 20 infection points across his body.

She recalled these included: “The top of his spine, his ribs, his arm, like you name it, it was infected, and he had a big infection on his pelvis, his kidney of course was infected, his leg, his foot.” 

Her son was in a children’s intensive care unit, but doctors warned he faced a high risk of “being brain dead, essentially, and not having movement of his arms and legs”.

Baby James is now walking and talking, but faces surgery for the after effects of sepsis and takes daily medication.

The report also included interviews with 37 people including sepsis patients, relatives of patients, or healthcare workers. Interviews were conducted across seven counties, including Cork and Kerry. 

Toll on health

Healthcare workers reported that, despite “growing knowledge” around sepsis care, they see “significant gaps that need to be addressed in all settings”.

“Gaps persist which challenge early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of infection,” they said.

Health staff also said public knowledge of sepsis and resistance to antibiotics is “poor”. They called for education on the risks and symptoms which should not frighten people.

The patients also reported differences from area to area with easier access to help in some areas compared to others.

“The toll on patients’ health and the long-lasting consequences of infection and sepsis was significant,” the researchers said.

“Fear and isolation were commonly described by both patients and [health staff].” 

The growing focus on sepsis comes in parallel with increased fears about resistance to antibiotics, known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This is often linked to over-use of antibiotics since the discovery of the drugs.

The report, A Patient and Staff Stories Project regarding Antimicrobial Resistance, Infection Prevention and Control, and Sepsis, knowledge, practices, experiences and perceptions, was prepared for the Department of Health.