Bolanaki, Myrto and Kurland, Lisa and Brabrand, Mikkel and Daniels, Ron and Govender, Kiren and Hanses, Frank and Innocenti, Francesca and Lassen, Annmarie and Martin-Loeches, Ignacio and Mockel, Martin (2025) Current sepsis management practices in European emergency departments: the ISG-emergency department European Survey. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, 32 (5). pp. 368-376. ISSN 0969-9546, 1473-5695
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
BackgroundEmergency departments (EDs) are often the first point of contact for patients with sepsis, and therefore play a critical role in early recognition and treatment. However, the extent to which sepsis guidelines are implemented across EDs in Europe remains unclear, and variability in adherence may impact patient outcomes.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess current sepsis management practices in European EDs, evaluate adherence to international guidelines, and identify key challenges limiting effective implementation.Methods and designA structured survey was developed by sepsis experts from the European Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM). The questionnaire included both quantitative and open-ended items and underwent iterative refinement through pilot testing to ensure clarity and relevance.Settings and participantsThe survey was distributed to EUSEM members and national emergency medicine societies across Europe. Respondents included medical directors or designated sepsis specialists, with only one response requested per ED.ResultsA total of 402 EDs from 28 European countries participated in the survey. While most EDs (72.5%) reported having a sepsis protocol in place, less than half implemented regular monitoring or structured training measures. The 1-h sepsis bundle was described as moderately to highly challenging to implement by the majority of the respondents; just over half (55%) reported completing all its elements within 1 h of ED presentation. Key barriers included high patient volumes, insufficient staffing, and lack of standardized sepsis definitions, leading to delays in recognition and treatment. The results also highlighted concerns regarding increased broad-spectrum antibiotic use following the implementation of the 1-h bundle, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers antimicrobial stewardship.ConclusionThis survey establishes a benchmark for understanding sepsis management practices in European EDs, identifying substantial variations and challenges. Areas for improvement include enhanced training to follow protocols, improved monitoring systems that measure protocol adherence, and alignment with evidence-based guidelines.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | SEPTIC SHOCK; MORTALITY; INTERVENTIONS; THERAPY; CARE; 1-h bundle; emergency department; Europe; sepsis management |
| Subjects: | 600 Technology > 610 Medical sciences Medicine |
| Divisions: | Medicine > Abteilung für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektiologie |
| Depositing User: | Dr. Gernot Deinzer |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Apr 2026 04:28 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Apr 2026 04:28 |
| URI: | https://pred.uni-regensburg.de/id/eprint/67677 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
