A Review of Prevention, Early Recognition, and Directed Therapy of Sepsis

Sepsis is a global health problem, and millions of people die annually from sepsis around the world (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018). The purpose of this literature review is to discuss the prevention, recognition, and treatment of sepsis as well as the need for more public health education to raise awareness of the significant burden of sepsis. It is difficult to recognize because there are several nonspecific symptoms, and there is not a comprehensive diagnostic tool. Diagnosis is based on evidence of infection, organ dysfunction, and clinical judgment (Fay et al., 2020). The definition of sepsis has evolved over the last three decades, though the most recent update is not widely accepted by all healthcare systems. There remains debate about treatment practices as well, including the following: whether one or multiple antibiotics should be used, which type of fluids should be used for rapid resuscitation, and the number of fluids that should be given to the patient. However, evidence agrees that treatment should be started within the first hour of symptom onset for the best chance of survival (Gyawali, Ramakrishna, & Dhamoon, 2019). Despite the significant burden that sepsis places on families, healthcare team members, and hospitals, there is not enough public awareness of the issue (Jabaley et al., 2018). There should be a greater push for public education using technology, social media, and mass media campaigns to increase awareness and prevention of infection.