Subtleties and differences of managing ICU patients across South Africa, Australia and UK

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewSepsis remains one of the greatest global healthcare burdens, with an estimated greater mortality rate from sepsis in Africa. The increasing global financial, social, and political strain of the twenty-first century has created new challenges when trying to tackle this problem. We aim to compare the differences in the management of sepsis in three countries (Australia, the UK, and South Africa) that face distinctly different challenges.Recent FindingsThe Surviving Sepsis Guidelines attempted to provide a good standard of care with bundles to help initiate early appropriate treatment. These bundles of care appear to improve outcomes when implemented early; however, data from Africa is lacking. There are several barriers to the implementation of guidelines, and resource-limited environments face additional challenges of staff shortages, lack of equipment and medication, and clinical pressure with increased strain capacity.SummaryAustralia, the UK, and South Africa have both shared and different obstacles when addressing the burden of sepsis. Solutions for the African environment may differ from more well-resourced environments, and global cooperation and innovation will be necessary to tackle sepsis across these continents. There is an urgent need for data from the African continent to understand the burden of sepsis and to help plan and strategize potential solutions.