Creating a culture of sepsis awareness through advocacy, health literacy and knowledge translation

Sepsis is a medical complication of the body’s response to fighting an infection. Sepsis can very quickly lead to organ damage and death if not recognized and treated early. Globally public awareness of sepsis is generally low, but we do not know what people living in Canada know about sepsis. This 5-year study aims to assess sepsis awareness and knowledge in Canada, identify major knowledge gaps, and address these gaps with the end-goal to improve sepsis literacy. We will apply a multi-phased, mixed method study design involving national surveys, focus groups, and the development a national campaign to engage, educate, and empower the public to be able to make informed decisions about their health.

Introducing the Sepsis Project                      What is Sepsis

This project is led by two exemplary scientists, Dr. Jeanna Parsons Leigh, Associate Professor in the School of Health Administration at Dalhousie University and Killam Memorial Research Chair, and Dr. Kirsten Fiest, Associate Professor in the Department of Critical Care and Director of the O’Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary. The project is a collaboration of many researchers, patient and family partners, and healthcare providers. The day-to-day work is supported by a small but mighty squad of research staff and patient partners. For more information, please contact the coordinator, Rebecca  

We are applying a multi-phased approach to data collection that incorporates surveys, focus groups, interviews, and quasi-experimental study designs.

Survey methods are useful in describing the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, perceptions, and characteristics of a large and diverse population. They will provide a snapshot of the public’s understanding of sepsis (what is sepsis, how does someone get it, signs and symptoms, its course, its treatment). We also will be able to examine if people have a different understanding of sepsis and different information needs based on their gender, age, education, income, or ethnic or cultural background.

Focus groups and interviews will help us examine in greater detail what the public understands about sepsis as well as how they access information about health conditions in general, including sources most trusted. Our understanding will include sociocultural factors that may impact the public’s access, comprehension, and use of health information on sepsis.

The data we collect will inform a multi-component and adaptable campaign to address key gaps in recognizing and responding to signs of sepsis.

This project is part of the work of Sepsis Canada, a multidisciplinary research network working toward reducing the burden of sepsis for all Canadians. Sepsis Canada is funded by a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.