Spotlight on Sepsis: Raising Awareness, Saving Lives!
With 30 years of nursing experience, Anne has a wealth of knowledge and insights to share on her role in healthcare and how she's come to care for patients with an array of medical conditions, like Sepsis.
Life as an advanced nurse Practitioner at Bupa
As a Lead Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) on the Blua remote service, which offers Bupa customers convenient access to digital health services through our app, I have a range of responsibilities that make my role both dynamic and impactful. Here are some key role responsibilities of my job:
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Patient Management: manage a diverse patient caseload, providing personalised care, and ensuring continuity of care through follow-ups.
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Primary Care Consultations: conduct comprehensive clinical assessments, diagnose health conditions, develop treatment plans for patients, and issue prescriptions, if required.
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Referrals: to secondary care consultation services and to face-to-face GP clinics.
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Service development: this is a crucial aspect of my role, as it ensures that we continuously provide high standards of clinical quality and governance throughout the ANP remote service.
Bupa is a fantastic and supportive employer. Each day is different and exciting as I work with amazing clinical and operational teams who go above and beyond for our customers.
Health topic of choice: Sepsis
As a nurse, patient safety and care are our priority which is why I've chosen to take part in World Sepsis Day. Observed on September 13th, the day aims to raise awareness about a life-threatening condition caused by the body's immune system overreaction to an infection, causing damage to tissues and organs. It's a critical issue in healthcare and one of the most frequent causes of death worldwide.
The reasons why some people develop sepsis because of an infection are not entirely understood – medical research institutions are working to understand this better. It's important to note that it's not possible to catch sepsis or pass it onto others.
Anne's experience with Sepsis
I have lots of experience working with patients with sepsis from general practice to intensive care. When I saw unwell patients with sepsis in general practice, I dialled 999 and supported the patient with oxygen until the ambulance arrived to transport them to the emergency department.
When I worked in the Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit, I would regularly initiate treatment for sepsis – this is known as "The Sepsis 6 ". Crucial treatment and tests that need to be completed within an hour of sepsis being suspected in hospital.
When I worked in Intensive care, I looked after the most critically unwell sepsis patients who were in multi-organ failure and needed additional support to stay alive.
We never know how unwell someone may become with an infection that leads to sepsis, this is why it is so important for people to be aware of signs, symptoms, and risk factors for sepsis.
Signs and symptoms
It can cause different signs and symptoms at different times:
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fever or low temperature and shivering
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confusion
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difficulty breathing
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clammy and sweaty skin
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extreme body pain or discomfort
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high heart rate, weak pulse, or low blood pressure
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low urine output.
Symptoms in children include:
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fast breathing
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convulsions
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pale skin
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lethargy
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difficulty waking up
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feeling cold to the touch
In children under 5 years old, it can cause difficulty feeding, frequent vomiting, or lack of urination.
Prevention
Sepsis can be prevented by treating infections early and through good hygiene at home, in the workplace, and in healthcare settings.
Steps include:
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Good personal hygiene, like washing hands and preparing food safely.
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Avoiding unclear water or unsanitary toilets.
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Getting vaccines recommended by health care officials.
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Eating a healthy diet.
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Breastfeeding for newborns.
Treatment
Antibiotic resistance can make treatment more difficult. This is why your health care provider may not give antibiotics for conditions such as colds and viruses. Taking antibiotics when you don't need them can cause the antibiotic to be less effective against bacteria.
What should I do if I think someone has sepsis?
Don't delay! Sepsis is a medical emergency. If someone has one or more of the sepsis symptoms, call 999 or attend your local hospital's Emergency Department. If you're concerned about an infection, call 111, or contact your GP and Just Ask: Could it be Sepsis?
References
Website link: FAQs - The UK Sepsis Trust
Website Link: Sepsis (who.int)