Post Sepsis Syndrome: What is it and do Primary Care professionals know how to treat sepsis survivors or are survivors slipping through the net. Does it even really exist?

Problem

Having spent many years teaching about sepsis, it is ironic that I developed sepsis in 2016. Having been in a coma for 3 months, I have developed strong national and international links to sepsis survivor networks.There are conservatively 200,000 cases of sepsis each year in the UK. Of those surviving 40% have one or more of cognitive, psychological or physical sequelae.The aim of this ongoing study was to engage both national and international networks, in order to define the scope of post sepsis syndrome (PSS), establish best practice methodologies in the identification and treatment of PSS and apparent views of Primary Care professionals to PSS, at the national and international level.Current research in this area is extremely limited and employs either molecular or epidemiological methodologies. Survivor analysis, using both quantitative and qualitative methods is unavailable in the literature.

Approach

This preliminary and ongoing study employs a survey questionnaire to harvest both quantitative and qualitative data from sepsis survivors. The initial smaller scale study proved informative and has fed forward into refinement of the current questionnaire. This updated survey is currently being rolled out to both UK and international sepsis survivors.Based on data acquisition rates during the preliminary survey, significant responses are expected within 30 days. Framework analysis is being used to assess qualitative data.Results of this study are being additionally assessed through comparison with current scientific research on PSS, although this field is currently severely understudied.

Findings

Initial work has identified several key components in both the definition and treatment of PSS. Certain thematic symptom types have been identified, which correlate well with the limited scientific research, in this area. A range of best practice methods have also become apparent. There is also initial evidence of variation by country, although this may be the result of statistical anomaly or cultural variation.

Consequences

While sepsis research is gaining some traction, PSS research is extremely limited. There are debates regarding its existence, variation in research methodologies used and even a suitable definition of the condition. As a result, sepsis survivors may be receiving sub optimal care and perhaps also slipping through the net, as they return from secondary to primary care.This study aims to engage stakeholders, with particular reference to sepsis survivors, as the major stakeholder in their own care. Going forward this work should better inform primary care professionals, allowing sepsis survivors with PSS to live well, despite any related morbidity.