One of the most important actions we can do in honor of Sepsis Awareness Month is to educate yourself and others about the different sepsis symptoms so that you know what to look out for. You could potentially save a life! Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and toxic response to infection and kills over 350,000 adults in the United States every year.
Through public education, we can raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of sepsis so people in our communities know when to seek emergency care. September is Sepsis Awareness Month; the Sepsis Alliance has produced a library of Sepsis Information Guides on dozens of topics. These guides can be printed and distributed to patients, families, co-workers and other professionals. The Sepsis Alliance provides these staggering statistics:
- Sepsis is the number 1 cost of hospitalization in the U.S. Costs for acute sepsis hospitalization and skilled nursing are estimated to be $62 billion annually. This is only a portion of all sepsis-related costs, since there are substantial additional costs after discharge for many.
- The average cost per hospital stay for sepsis is double the average cost per stay across all other conditions. And, sepsis is the primary cause of readmission to the hospital, costing more than $3.5 billion each year.
- Studies investigating survival and sepsis deaths have reported slightly different numbers, but it appears that on average, approximately 30% of patients diagnosed with severe sepsis do not survive. Up to 50% of survivors suffer from post-sepsis syndrome. Until a cure for sepsis is found, early detection and treatment is essential for survival and limiting disability for survivors.
Take 5 minutes to watch the What is Sepsis video and share on your websites, social media platforms and with your family and colleagues. It may save a life of someone you know or love.
Access the FREE Sepsis Alliance Toolkit and infographic library. You are encouraged to print the posters and hang them in your hospital, office and community.
Sepsis Alliance has created graphics and language that you can share on social media, in company newsletters, or in person with others. Remember to tag @SepsisAlliance and use the hashtags #SepsisAwarenessMonth and #SAM2022
Sepsis Alliance Summit I September 28 – 29, 2022
This September, Sepsis Alliance is proudly hosting its Sepsis Alliance Summit. The event will feature two days of learning and inspiration for healthcare professionals across the continuum of care, including nurses, physicians, pharmacists, allied health professionals, data/quality/safety/IT professionals, students, leadership, policy makers, and industry leaders.
The Sepsis Alliance Summit will include expert presentations from clinicians, innovation experts, and other influential leaders. Join the sessions that are relevant to your practice and interests, and increase your sepsis knowledge and skills.
Continuing nursing education credits will be available, as will post-event access to resources, ideas, and innovations to improve sepsis care.