- A study led by I3PT confirms that Catalan hospitals present better results than the EU average, but warns of the lack of resources and records in the system
A study published in the journal Critical Care confirms that Catalonia presents better results than the European Union average in early detection and standardized protocolization of sepsis in hospitalsThe research team attributes this to progress in the implementation of the Sepsis Code in Catalonia in 2017, but they warn that they still more resources, reliable records and regular audits are needed to consolidate this progress.
The work, led by researchers from the Parc Taulí Research and Innovation Institute (I3PT), analyzes data from the European Sepsis Care Survey (ESCS). The study includes 21 public and private hospitals in Catalonia (out of a total of 38) and compares them with 691 European centers, with the aim of evaluating the quality of the Catalan healthcare system in relation to the EU as a whole.
Featured results
The analysis shows that 95% of Catalan hospitals have sepsis screening programs in emergency services, compared to 53% in the EU. In hospital wards, 80% of Catalan centres have these programs, while in Europe it represents 45%. On the other hand, in ICUs the figures are similar: 79% in Catalonia and 61% in Europe.
As for the standardized sepsis management protocols, Catalonia far exceeds the European average: 100% of Catalan hospitals apply them in emergencies (57% in the EU) and 85% in hospital wards (42% in Europe). In ICUs, standardized management is high in both contexts (90% and 72%, respectively).
Likewise, more are also registered quality indicators in Catalan hospitals. As an example, half of them systematically record the time elapsed until the administration of antibiotics, compared to 16% in the EU, and 55% record compliance with the therapeutic prescription, well above 12% in Europe. In addition, 63% of Catalan centers have quality improvement programs, more than double the European average (27%).
The importance of the Sepsis Code
Seconds Anthony Artigas, researcher at I3PT and coordinator of the study, “the Sepsis Code has clearly impacted the management of this disease in Catalonia. Early detection and treatment have improved, and this has translated into better patient management and, therefore, a mortality reduction associated”. However, he warns that the Catalan system still has limitations and insists on the need to “have reliable records and periodic evaluations to identify areas for improvement and be able to allocate the necessary resources”.
A disease of great global impact
It is estimated that up to 50 million people suffer from sepsis every year in the world. According to data from the Global Sepsis Alliance, this disease causes more than11 million deaths annually, the equivalent of 1 death every 2,8 seconds, and continues to be one of the main causes of mortality and disability. Despite its seriousness and being considered a medical emergency by health authorities, the population's knowledge of this condition is extremely low and it does not receive the attention of other serious diseases. This was emphasized a study published this year in theAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, also led in Catalonia by Antoni Artigas.
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