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. 2016 Jun;3(2):99-102.
doi: 10.7861/futurehosp.3-2-99.

Recognition and management of sepsis by junior doctors

Sarah L Cowan  1 , Jonathon Aa Holland  1 , Ian Frost  2 , Andrew D Kane  2
Affiliations

Recognition and management of sepsis by junior doctors

Sarah L Cowan et al. Future Hosp J. 2016 Jun.

Abstract

There is growing evidence that outcomes in sepsis are improved by early recognition and treatment. In this study, we assessed junior doctors' ability to recognise and manage sepsis. We also explored junior doctors' perceptions regarding barriers to delivering timely sepsis care. From 46 respondents, only 4% were able to list the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, 50% could define sepsis and 46% could list the Sepsis Six. Following further teaching on sepsis, 35% could list the SIRS criteria, 87% correctly defined sepsis, and 91% could state the Sepsis Six. Junior doctors perceived time pressure when on call to be the greatest barrier in treating sepsis, and their own knowledge to be the least important barrier. Our data suggest that knowledge of sepsis among junior doctors is poor and that there is a lack of insight into this competency gap.

Keywords: Sepsis; Sepsis Six; education; foundation training.

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Figures

Fig 1.
Fig 1.
Knowledge and recognition of sepsis by junior doctors. Data show foundation doctors’ responses to SIRS criteria, sepsis definitions and the Sepsis Six before and after a targeted sepsis teaching session. BM = blood glucose; HR = heart rate; RR = respiratory rate; SIRS = systemic inflammatory response syndrome; WCC = white cell count.
Fig 2.
Fig 2.
Barriers to sepsis management as cited by junior doctors. Current foundation year 1 doctors and senior house officers were asked to rank pre-selected potential factors as perceived barriers to implementing the Sepsis Six.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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