Sepsis is a common and potentially life-threatening condition triggered by an infection which causes the body’s immune system to go into overdrive, and if it not treated quickly, it can lead to multiple organ failure and death. It claims more lives than lung cancer, and is the second biggest killer after cardiovascular disease.
NHS England has launched a new and updated sepsis awareness programme based on the latest NICE guidance.
Elearning and resources for sepsis
The comprehensive sepsis awareness elearning module focus on the identification and management of sepsis in different settings. This includes adults, children and young people, as well as people with a learning disability. Additional sessions on sepsis during and post pregnancy are also available. The sepsis awareness elearning sessions follow the latest NICE guidance and are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they remain current.
Sepsis in community care
Identifying and managing sepsis in community care is an important measure in reducing deaths. 70% of sepsis cases develop within the community and people with a learning disability are disproportionately affected.
The elearning sessions for sepsis in community care settings are easily accessible and aimed at anyone who wants to learn more about sepsis. They address the early identification and management of sepsis in adults, children and young people, and people with a learning disability. They follow the most recent NICE Guidance published in January 2024. These sessions are accessible through registration on the Learning Hub.
Managing maternal sepsis during and following pregnancy
This elearning programme offers an up-to-date review of key guidance on the recognition and management of maternal sepsis and septic shock in the pregnancy and postpartum period. The two modules cover maternal sepsis caused by bacterial infection, as well as sepsis due to viral influenza with or without secondary bacterial infection. These sessions were created after being identified as priority areas by NICE.
The learning reflects the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ Green-top Guideline No. 64 on Identifying and Manging Maternal Sepsis During and Following Pregnancy (published 8 December 2024) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s NG51 Guideline on Suspected Sepsis: recognition, diagnosis and early management (published 13 July 2016, updated 2024).
Sepsis in children
Working with partners, we have developed an awareness-raising teaching aid to help health care professionals spot and respond to the warning signs of sepsis in children.
The short film, available to view below or on YouTube, features the story of Jason and Clara Watkins who tragically lost their three-year-old daughter Maude to undiagnosed sepsis in 2011. The film highlights the key signs that healthcare workers should be looking out for and asks them to think ‘could this be sepsis?’ when assessing and diagnosing patients.
Aimed at clinical trainers, although useful for all healthcare staff, the film accompanies a new e-learning package on sepsis produced for GPs and health professionals working across primary care including nurses, health visitors, midwives, pharmacists and paramedics. Both follow the recommendations of the new NICE guidelines on sepsis recognition, diagnosis and early management.
This training module for clinicians is versatile and can be used in face-to-face sessions or independently through elearning. The films follow the patient journey from diagnosis to treatment, as the parents each talk about their experience of sepsis, their child’s treatment and diagnosis of the condition and the impact that it has had on their families.
There are also two specialist sessions aimed at people working with children and young people. These sessions are aimed at people working in the community and people working in acute settings, alongside supporting videos.
We would encourage all healthcare staff to access the associated educational materials.
Think sepsis: a film for all healthcare workers involved in the care of sick children
Other resources
Sepsis is also linked to the recognising and managing deterioration elearning programme which has many supporting materials including the ABCDE awareness programme, early warning scores and materials for soft signs.