Designing Support Structures Post Sepsis in Children: Perspectives of the Queensland Paediatric Sepsis Program

ObjectiveThe Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines recommend the implementation of systematic screening for sepsis. We aimed to validate a paediatric sepsis screening tool and derive a simplified screening tool.DesignProspective multicentre study conducted between August 2018 and December 2019. We assessed the performance of the paediatric sepsis screening tool using stepwise multiple logistic regression analyses with 10-fold cross-validation and evaluated the final model at defined risk thresholds.SettingTwelve emergency departments (EDs) in Queensland, Australia.Participants3473 children screened for sepsis, of which 523 (15.1%) were diagnosed with sepsis.InterventionsA 32-item paediatric sepsis screening tool including rapidly available information from triage, risk factors and targeted physical examination.Primary outcome measureSenior medical officer-diagnosed sepsis combined with the administration of intravenous antibiotics in the ED.ResultsThe 32-item paediatric sepsis screening tool had good predictive performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.80, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.82). A simplified tool containing 16 of 32 criteria had comparable performance and retained an AUC of 0.80 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.82). To reach a sensitivity of 90% (95% CI 87% to 92%), the final model achieved a specificity of 51% (95% CI 49% to 53%). Sensitivity analyses using the outcomes of sepsis-associated organ dysfunction (AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.87) and septic shock (AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.88) confirmed the main results.ConclusionsA simplified paediatric sepsis screening tool performed well to identify children with sepsis in the ED. Implementation of sepsis screening tools may improve the timely recognition and treatment of sepsis.

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“…This led to the development of the Queensland Paediatric Sepsis Programme Family Support Structure. 27 …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Validation of a paediatric sepsis screening tool to identify children with sepsis in the emergency department: a statewide prospective cohort study in Queensland, Australia

et al. 2023

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“… 157 , 158 Also referring to peer support groups can help patients find support and reflect on the significance of religion and spirituality in the process, a topic that clinicians often neglect. 159 , 160 However, further research with the involvement of experienced experts and patient representatives is needed to investigate support programs specifically targeted towards patients suffering from PSS.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding Post-Sepsis Syndrome: How Can Clinicians Help?

van der Slikke,

Beumeler,

Holmqvist

et al. 2023

IDR

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Sepsis is a global health challenge, with over 49 million cases annually. Recent medical advancements have increased in-hospital survival rates to approximately 80%, but the escalating incidence of sepsis, owing to an ageing population, rise in chronic diseases, and antibiotic resistance, have also increased the number of sepsis survivors. Subsequently, there is a growing prevalence of “post-sepsis syndrome” (PSS). This syndrome includes long-term physical, medical, cognitive, and psychological issues after recovering from sepsis. PSS puts survivors at risk for hospital readmission and is associated with a reduction in health- and life span, both at short and long term, after hospital discharge. Comprehensive understanding of PSS symptoms and causative factors is vital for developing optimal care for sepsis survivors, a task of prime importance for clinicians. This review aims to elucidate our current knowledge of PSS and its relevance in enhancing post-sepsis care provided by clinicians.

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