Suspected sepsis: recognition, diagnosis and early management

In discussions with people with suspected sepsis or their family or carers, and when sharing information with them:

• follow the recommendations in NICE's guidelines on patient experience in adult NHS services and babies, children and young people's experience of healthcare

• ensure that the information given supports shared decision making, and follow the recommendations in NICE's guideline on shared decision making

• tailor the timing, content and delivery of information to the person's needs and preferences, paying particular attention to people with additional needs such as autism or learning disabilities, or people whose first language is not English. [2024]

Ensure a care team member is nominated to give information to families and carers, particularly in emergency situations such as in the emergency department. This should include:

• an explanation that the person has sepsis, and what this means

• an explanation of any investigations and the management plan

• regular and timely updates on treatment, care and progress. [2016]

Ensure information is given without using medical jargon. Check regularly that people understand the information and explanations they are given. [2016]

Give people with sepsis and their family members and carers opportunities to ask questions about diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis and complications. Be willing to repeat any information as needed. [2016]

Give people with sepsis and their families and carers information about national charities and support groups that provide information about sepsis and the causes of sepsis. [2016]

Give people who have been assessed for sepsis but have been discharged without a diagnosis of sepsis (and their family or carers, if appropriate) verbal and written information about:

• what sepsis is, and why it was suspected

• what tests and investigations have been done

• instructions about which symptoms to monitor

• when to get medical attention if their illness continues

• how to get medical attention if they need to seek help urgently. [2016]

Confirm that people understand the information they have been given, and what actions they should take to get help if they need it. [2016]

Ensure people who are at increased risk of sepsis (for example after surgery) are told before discharge about symptoms that should prompt them to get medical attention and how to get it. [2016]

See NICE's guideline on neutropenic sepsis for information for people with neutropenic sepsis.

Ensure people and their families and carers have been informed that they have had sepsis. [2016]

Ensure discharge notifications to GPs include the diagnosis of sepsis. [2016]

Give people who have had sepsis (and their families and carers, when appropriate) opportunities to discuss their concerns. These may include:

• why they developed sepsis

• whether they are likely to develop sepsis again

• if more investigations are necessary

• details of any community care needed, for example, related to peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) lines or other intravenous catheters

• what they should expect during recovery

• arrangements for follow-up, including specific critical care follow up if relevant

• possible short-term and long-term problems. [2016]

Give people who have had sepsis and their families and carers information about national charities and support groups that provide information about sepsis and causes of sepsis. [2016]

Advise carers they have a legal right to have a carer's assessment of their needs, and give them information on how they can get this.

See NICE's guideline on rehabilitation after critical illness in adults for recommendations on rehabilitation and follow up after critical illness.

See NICE's guideline on bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease for follow-up of people who have had meningococcal disease.