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26
Nov 2019
Revolutionary sepsis monitoring system could save thousands of lives
A study by Imperial College London suggests that thousands of lives could be saved by a revolutionary digital system which alerts doctors to cases of sepsis.
For the study, analysis took place of the data of over 27,000 patients who triggered the sepsis alert system on arrival at A&E or being admitted to a ward. The outcome of these patients was compared to those who arrived at hospital with similar symptoms but did not benefit from the new technology and received standard care.
The trial which was conducted over a 24 month period, is the first to assess the benefits of the alert system in NHS hospitals.
Study co-author Dr Anne Kinderlerer, said “The alert has made a significant impact on identifying more cases of sepsis and reducing the number of patients who die in hospital as a result.
“More patients are surviving sepsis at our hospitals. Our plan is now to roll this alert system out across the trust in different health specialities so that we can further reduce the toll and impact that sepsis has on our patients.”
Currently, of the 250,000 sepsis cases each year in the UK, 44,000 are fatal, which means one in six patients will die.
Lead author of the research Dr Kate Honeyford, said “Sepsis can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated quickly. However, symptoms can be hard to spot and are similar to other conditions such as flu or a chest infection, which can result in delayed diagnosis and treatments.
“Our study shows for the first time that robust analysis of a digital alert system was associated with improvements in outcomes for patients and the system presents an opportunity to improve care for patients who may have sepsis.”
CEO of The UK Sepsis Trust Dr Ron Daniels, said “Any kind of technology which can reduce the risk of rapid deterioration should be embraced, and systems which monitor patient condition and automate the alerting of responders offer a vital safeguard and could change the number of lives lost to sepsis.”
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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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