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Do they know what is sepsis time? Septic Patients Survey Enrolling Staffs study

Introduction

The aim of this study was evaluation of physicians' knowledge about SIRS, sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock.

Methods

A multicenter study in 21 ICUs in seven university, five public and seven private hospitals. A questionnaire with five clinical cases was first validated by five critical care boarded intensivists (INT) with 100% agreement. All interviewed physicians (Phys) received each question separately, in a predefined sequence, and no answer could be reviewed. After answering, the questionnaire was put in a sealed envelope with no identification. Statistical analysis was performed: chi-square, Kruskall–Wallis and linear correlation tests. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 917 Phys (mean age 32.7 ± 7.21 years, 61.9% males, 38.1% females) were enrolled with 20.0% (n = 55) INT and 80.0% (n = 220) of nonintensivists (non-INT). Phys correctly recognized SIRS, infection, and septic shock in 80.4%, 92.4% and 85.1% of the cases, respectively. The lowest rate of recognition was observed in sepsis and severe sepsis cases (26.5% and 55.6%). Considering all questions, the overall percentage of correct answers was 68.1 ± 21.1%. INT performed better than non-INT (84.7 ± 17.2% and 64.0 ± 20.0%, P < 0.00001). Phys working at public and university hospitals performed better (70.2 ± 18.7% and 71.2 ± 19.5%) than those in private hospitals (59.7 ± 23.4%, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The recognition of sepsis and its severity are not satisfactory, mostly among non-INT and those working at private hospitals. Possibly, reviewing sepsis-related and organ dysfunction concepts are necessary for early identification of septic patients.

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Assuncao, M., Machado, F., Akamine, N. et al. Do they know what is sepsis time? Septic Patients Survey Enrolling Staffs study. Crit Care 11 (Suppl 2), P45 (2007). https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1186/cc5205

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  • DOI: https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1186/cc5205

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