A campaign to raise awareness of sepsis in Scotland, combined with the introduction of the latest technology in microbiology, has had a positive impact on the speed of clinical intervention and potential outcomes, as Janet Young, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, explains.
Sepsis is recognised as a significant healthcare challenge, with someone dying from the infection every four hours in Scotland. In 2012, a nationwide initiative was launched to tackle this issue. At the same time, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde microbiology department has been striving to improve working practices through the introduction of innovative technology and increased automation. The results have been increased awareness of sepsis, faster microbial identification and susceptibility testing, and prompt initiation of appropriate therapy for patients.
Scottish sepsis campaign
In 2012, the Scottish Patient Safety Programme, NHS Scotland and the Scottish government launched a campaign in Scotland to reduce the harm and mortality caused by severe sepsis. The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of sepsis among the public and health professionals in Scotland, and to ensure appropriate steps are taken where sepsis is suspected. In addition to radio and social media advertising, posters and leaflets were displayed in pharmacies, hospital wards, waiting areas and other public places (Fig 1).
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