Six Ways Research Can Transform the Fight Against Sepsis
Every day, people across the UK develop sepsis from infections that begin as something as common as a chest infection. Yet many people don’t know what sepsis is or how to spot it. Without rapid treatment, it can become fatal.
To improve patient outcomes, NHS England recently published its Modern Service Framework for Sepsis (MSF). This sets out a plan to improve every stage of sepsis care, from prevention and early diagnosis to treatment and public awareness. It aims to reduce deaths, complications and the long-term impact of sepsis by 25% by 2035.
As the UK’s leading charity dedicated to funding sepsis research, we directly contributed to the development of the MSF’s research and innovation priorities, drawing on our work across the six areas outlined below. As implementation begins, we continue to work alongside NHS England and clinical leaders to help turn these priorities into practice.
Sepsis Research helped shape the priorities set out in Section 4 of the NHS’s new Sepsis Modern Service Framework.
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Preventing Sepsis Before It Starts
The best way to fight sepsis is to stop the infections that cause it in the first place.
Many cases develop after common bacterial or viral infections, like urinary-tract infections or the flu. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce these infections and lower the risk of sepsis – particularly for those most vulnerable to infection. Sepsis Research regularly shares information about outbreaks of infections that could lead to sepsis, helping people understand how vaccination and prevention can reduce risk.
Sepsis Research’s ambassador Lily McGarry, who spearheaded the student sepsis awareness campaign, developed sepsis after catching Meningitis B at university. Lily encourages everyone to get vaccinated if they can.
“Try to ensure that you check your vaccination history with your GP before starting term, and if you haven’t been vaccinated against things like Meningitis or MMR, make sure you do so ASAP.”
Lily McGarry, Sepsis Research ambassador and sepsis survivor
By increasing vaccine uptake across communities, we can protect individuals and save lives.
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Predicting Who Is Most at Risk of Sepsis
What if doctors could identify someone at high-risk of developing sepsis before becoming critically ill? Identifying people at greatest risk allows healthcare professionals to monitor patients more closely and begin treatment earlier, improving outcomes.
One project leading this work is GENOMICC. Supported by Sepsis Research since 2015, the study investigates whether certain genes make some people more susceptible to sepsis. Over 44,000 people around the world have contributed their DNA to the study, helping researchers get closer to understanding why sepsis affects some people more than others.
We would never have got here without the timely support of Sepsis Research FEAT – without question, they made this study what it is today – the largest consented critical care research study ever conducted.”
Professor Kenneth Baillie, GenOMICC Study Lead, University of Edinburgh
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Monitoring Patients More Effectively for Sepsis
Doctors and nurses monitor patients closely because sepsis can change in a matter of hours. Spotting small changes early allows treatment to be adjusted before serious complications develop.
The DALI-2 (Defining Antibiotic Levels in Intensive Care Patients) study, supported by Sepsis Research, investigates whether critically ill patients receive correct antibiotic doses. By carefully monitoring antibiotic levels, researchers hope to optimise treatment and develop more effective ways of delivering life-saving medicine.
Continuous monitoring is such a key part of patient care.
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Diagnosing Sepsis Earlier
Early diagnosis saves lives.
Every hour that appropriate treatment is delayed increases the risk of serious complications, including organ failure and septic shock. Improving how quickly sepsis can be identified is one of the biggest priorities in healthcare.
“Sepsis Research FEAT is developing new means of diagnosing and treating this devastating medical condition, offering the prospect of sparing others the experience of suddenly and unexpectedly losing a loved one like our 21 year old son Harry. Please join us in supporting this vital work.”
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Improving Sepsis Treatments and Interventions
Once sepsis is recognised, prompt treatment with the right antibiotics and care can prevent further organ damage and dramatically improve outcomes.
One example is the SNAP (Staphylococcus aureus Network Adaptive Platform) Trial, which investigated the most effective antibiotic treatments for Staphylococcus aureus infections. SNAP was supported by Sepsis Research at early-stages of the trial and patient involvement. It identified a more effective antibiotic combination, with fewer side effects, helping improve care for future patients.
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Raising Sepsis Awareness Saves Lives
Research alone cannot improve outcomes if people don’t recognise the signs. Increasing awareness among the public and healthcare professionals encourages earlier recognition of symptoms, faster access to care and better understanding of infection prevention.
Throughout the year, Sepsis Research delivers educational resources and awareness campaigns covering topics such as maternal sepsis, student sepsis and Sepsis Awareness Month each September. These ensure more people understand that sepsis is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Looking Ahead
The NHS England Modern Service Framework highlights an exciting future for sepsis care: One where prevention, prediction, monitoring, diagnosis, treatment and education all work together to improve patient outcomes.
Many of these priorities are already being advanced through research funded and supported by Sepsis Research. From genetic studies to innovative diagnostics, this work is bringing us closer to a future where fewer people develop sepsis and more people survive it. It is through the generous support of our donors that this ground-breaking research is possible.
You can read the NHS Modern Framework Service for Sepsis in full here > https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/sepsis-modern-service-framework/
Article written by Kirstyn Beattie MSci – PhD Student and Research Impact & Communications Intern at Sepsis Research.
