Abstract
Objectives:To assess knowledge and perception among Pakistani physicians towards sepsis.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in Indus Hospital and Health Networks from September 2020 to March 2021. The International Sepsis Survey questionnaire was adapted, and its link was sent to trainee physicians as well as specialists, and consultants practicing in various hospitals via social media. Knowledge and perception were scored and 50% was considered the cut-off score for adequacy. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.Results:Analysis was done on 222 respondents who completed the survey. 37.9% of the participants had adequate knowledge. Knowledge regarding sepsis was significantly associated with specialty, ICU/CCU/HDU, and work experience (P-value <0.0001). More recent trainee physicians and those with more experience in critical care areas demonstrated better knowledge. Over 2/3rd of the respondents strongly agreed that sepsis remains one of the unmet needs in critical care today.Conclusion:A common belief exists that sepsis remains a challenge to treat among doctors. Moreover, there is consensus that it is the most frequently miss diagnosed condition in critical care and a dire need exists for its early diagnosis. Additionally, prompt management of presumed sepsis is imperative to improve outcomes.
Highlights
Sepsis is considered one of the most lifethreatening situations in critically ill patients
Participants working in fields with less interaction with a sepsis patient, such as Family Medicine, Radiology, Cardiology, Pediatric Medicine had inadequate knowledge compared to the other specialties like Anesthesia, Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Pulmonology
Similar results were reported by a Nepalese study where almost 46% of the participants who had worked in intensive care areas had adequate knowledge regarding sepsis.[10]
Summary
Sepsis is considered one of the most lifethreatening situations in critically ill patients. Being a medical emergency, delayed diagnosis and management are associated with higher mortality rates. Despite evidence-based management guidelines, sepsis remains a leading cause of death with mortality rate ranging between 22.8% to 48.7%.1-6. Identifying sepsis is challenging, given that its clinical presentation is variable and there is no gold standard for diagnosis. The complexity and diversity of the disease further increases the difficulty for health care providers to diagnose it.[7]. Sepsis-related morbidity and mortality can be reduced through early treatment using protocols with well-established therapeutic targets.
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