In an effort to reduce the number of sepsis-related deaths by 1,000 annually, patients under the care of the NHS will be provided with sepsis sensors.
The NHS plans to utilize new mobile applications, smartwatches, and wristbands to identify early indicators of sepsis, a severe response to infection. These devices will monitor patients’ vital signs post-hospital discharge and raise alerts automatically if a deterioration in health is detected, prompting further evaluation for sepsis.
Healthcare professionals emphasize the life-saving potential of wearable technology in sepsis management. Delayed treatment of sepsis escalates the risk of death by up to 8% per hour. Professor Ramani Moonesinghe, Deputy Medical Director at NHS England, stressed the importance of early detection, highlighting the imperative need to address sepsis promptly to enhance survival rates and recovery.
The UK Sepsis Trust estimates that sepsis contributes to around 48,000 deaths yearly in the UK, with 4,000 directly attributed to sepsis in England alone. NHS authorities believe that a quarter of these deaths could be prevented through improved care practices.
Sepsis typically originates from a bacterial infection, with symptoms in adults including cognitive impairment, uncontrollable shivering, muscle pain, and breathing difficulties. Signs may also manifest as changes in skin color, temperature fluctuations, and reduced urine output. In babies and children, symptoms may include rapid breathing, abnormal body temperatures, skin discoloration, lethargy, lack of urination, and vomiting.
Addressing the significance of sepsis awareness and timely intervention, Minister for Patient Safety, Preet Gill, emphasized the devastating impact of sepsis and underscored the importance of promptly recognizing signs of deterioration to prevent tragic outcomes.
Some hospitals have already initiated the distribution of wearable technology to high-risk inpatients for sepsis detection. Notably, cancer patients undergoing CAR T cell therapy at University College London Hospitals are equipped with wearable devices to monitor vital signs as part of a clinical trial aimed at identifying sepsis risk factors.
The introduction of wearable technology aligns with the ‘Modern Service Framework’ strategy unveiled today to enhance patient outcomes related to sepsis. Dr. Ron Daniels, founder of the UK Sepsis Trust, hailed the framework as a significant advancement in patient safety, emphasizing its potential to save lives and improve post-sepsis recovery.
For more information on sepsis and its early warning signs, visit nhs.uk/sepsis.
