Sepsis Alliance Releases Sepsis Survivor Survey
July 25, 2024
Sepsis Alliance is pleased to release the results from their first-ever Sepsis Survivor Survey. This survey was conducted to gain insight into the experiences and unique challenges that sepsis survivors face, and for stakeholders and innovators to become better informed on the lived experience of sepsis survivors.
Over 3,000 self-identified sepsis survivors responded to the survey, the results of which shine a light on the areas of improvement to better support sepsis survivors and their loved ones. The significant opportunities for improvement identified included: improved patient discharge instructions, better access to healthcare professionals in a wider range of specialties, and greater access to support resources.
Many sepsis survivors experience post-sepsis syndrome, a condition that includes physical and/or psychological long-term effects. More than 80% of respondents reported ongoing mental, cognitive, or physical challenges following sepsis, with more than 30% indicating the severity to be extreme. In many cases, sepsis affected their ability to resume their pre-sepsis work schedule. More than three-quarters (77%) missed at least one month of work, with more than one-third (34%) missing at least a year.
Sepsis, the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection, affects an estimated 49 million people worldwide each year. More than 1.7 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with sepsis each year and 350,000 of those adults die. Sepsis is a common and deadly complication of COVID-19. Sepsis Alliance, the nation’s first and leading sepsis organization, strives to save lives and reduce suffering by improving sepsis awareness and care through public and healthcare provider education programs, survivor support, and patient advocacy.
Other key findings from the survey include:
- More than half (56%) of respondents have experienced sepsis more than once.
- Fewer than half (45%) of respondents received discharge education materials that were clearly explained to them after their first sepsis experience.
- Of those that were employed at the time of their first sepsis experience, more than three-quarters (77%) missed at least 1 month of work before returning, with 43% missing 6 months or more of work.
- More than 1 in 10 (12%) had still not returned to work after their first incidence of sepsis.
- Three quarters (75%) had medical support after being discharged from acute care.
- 35% went to a subacute/rehabilitation facility
- 40% went directly to home/loved one’s home, with support from home care/visiting nurse/etc.
- More than 8 in 10 (83%) had some impact on their mental health, 80% had some impact on cognitive function, and 82% had some impact on physical abilities.
Sepsis Alliance supports sepsis survivors through Sepsis Alliance Connect – a FREE online support community for sepsis survivors, caregivers, loved ones, and those left behind after a sepsis death to come together and share resources, insight, and encouragement about their sepsis experience and life after sepsis. If you are a sepsis survivor, caregiver, or loved one, you can join Sepsis Alliance Connect by clicking here.
Click here to view the full survey.
Contribute to Sepsis Alliance support programs by making a gift.
Methodology: The survey was conducted online by Sepsis Alliance. This survey was intended only for adult survivors of sepsis. 3,131 respondents completed the survey. Survey participants were entered into a gift card drawing for completing the survey.
This survey was made possible in part by the generous support of Janssen Infectious Diseases and Vaccines.
