HSE updates sepsis clinical guidelines

Today the HSE has announced that it will update the National Clinical Effective Committee (NCEC) National Clinical Guideline No.26 on sepsis management for adults (including maternity). This update, and the research behind it, was undertaken to ensure sepsis treatment in Ireland is in line with best practice internationally.

A well attended webinar for clinical staff was presented about the key changes to the update, including changes in the timeframe around administering antibiotics. Based on current international evidence these timeframes will now be tailored to the degree of illness on presentation to ensure that those needing antibiotics receive them promptly and that patients who may not have sepsis do not receive unnecessary antibiotics.

Sepsis is a potentially life threatening complication that can hide behind any infection. It can affect anyone of any age and can lead to rapid deterioration in health. Sepsis is treatable if it is identified and treated early. Without quick treatment, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Sepsis cannot develop unless you have an infection.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: “This guideline on sepsis management, grounded in the latest research, ensures that sepsis treatment in Ireland is in line with international best practice. Sepsis places a very significant burden not only on our hospitals and healthcare professionals, but on patients, families and communities.

Many survivors of sepsis face life altering consequences long, long after the initial infection. Behind every statistic is a person, a patient, a loved one, and a team of healthcare professionals. That's why this updated guideline is so very important. It reflects the most current evidence, it strengthens our approach to diagnosis and treatment, and it aims to improve outcomes for patients across the country.

It is particularly important that patient partnership continues to be a central part of the NCEC and the National Clinical Programme for Sepsis. Recognising the patient voice and amplifying the patient voice is essential in ensuring our services evolve, adapt and improve. I would like to thank the Guideline Development Group, the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee, and all those involved in this important work.”

Dr Michael O’ Dwyer, Clinical Lead, HSE Sepsis Programme, added: “The National Sepsis Team is committed to ensuring that sepsis care in Ireland remains up to date with international best practices to ensure that we balance the benefits of early treatment for patients with sepsis against the risks of exposure to unnecessary treatments, particularly antibiotics.

“Undertaking this update was essential because it impacts on patient care including; the type of fluid used during patient resuscitation, the method of oxygen delivery and the anti-microbial usage for patients with sepsis and septic shock.”

Following this announcement the HSE’s National Sepsis Team have developed a comprehensive training and education programme which will be delivered to all hospitals. To align with the changes to the guidelines, the HSELand sepsis training has been updated. This training is mandatory for all clinical acute hospital staff. A training programme for clinical staff in non-acute settings is currently being developed and will be available by the end of the year.