This September, all of us have the opportunity to reflect on the critical role of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in improving care for residents in nursing homes. Sepsis, a life-threatening emergency that occurs when an infection overwhelms the body’s response, affects over 49 million people worldwide each year. In nursing homes, frail elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable, with infections posing significant health risks that can quickly escalate to sepsis if not managed effectively.
As a consortium working under the IMAGINE project, we aim to raise awareness of sepsis and promote IPC and AMS to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics. Antibiotic overuse is the primary driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses a grave threat to vulnerable populations in long-term care facilities. The lack of consistent infection prevention measures and proper diagnostic procedures across Europe has made AMR a growing concern. Sepsis awareness and timely intervention are key to reversing this trend.
Throughout the month of September, we encourage healthcare professionals (HCPs) in nursing homes to enhance their understanding of sepsis—its signs, symptoms, and rapid treatment requirements. Sepsis-related deaths can be significantly reduced by early recognition and intervention.
At the heart of the IMAGINE project is a shared commitment across eight European countries to train HCPs on best practices in infection management. By recording infection data and reinforcing IPC protocols over the next three years, our goal is to support the nursing homes in Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Denmark in effectively combating infections and reducing sepsis-related risks.
Sepsis Awareness Month 2024 provides the perfect platform to strengthen this initiative. We urge HCPs, caregivers, and community members to leverage the resources available from the key institutions focused on sepsis (at the bottom), participate in local awareness activities, and join the call for greater sepsis prevention measures in nursing homes. Simple steps like educating staff on sepsis symptoms, timely diagnosis, and appropriate antibiotic use can save countless lives.
Let’s work together to improve infection management and protect the health of nursing home residents across Europe. Join us in observing Sepsis Awareness Month and supporting the IMAGINE project’s mission to reduce infection rates and antibiotic misuse.
Key Institutions for Sepsis Awareness and Research
1. European Sepsis Alliance (ESA)
2. The European Sepsis Alliance is part of the Global Sepsis Alliance, an international non-profit charity organization. The ESA was founded in 2018 under the auspices of former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis, with the aim to raise awareness for sepsis and reduce sepsis deaths in Europe. Visit the ESA
3. Sepsis Research
Sepsis Research’s mission is to save lives and improve outcomes for sepsis patients through world-leading research and awareness raising. Sepsis Research FEAT was established in 2013, born from the experience of a sepsis survivor who also suffered a personal loss from this hidden killer. The charity funds research to improve outcomes for sepsis patients and their families in the UK and globally. Learn more at Sepsis Research
4. World Health Organization (WHO) – Sepsis
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides comprehensive information on sepsis, including key facts, global overviews, risks, and signs and symptoms of the condition. Explore WHO’s Sepsis Resources
For more information on sepsis, its impact, and available resources, visit referenced websites and IMAGINE Project Website. Let’s take action now—it’s about TIME.