Sepsis Fundamentals - Module 1: Sepsis Epidemiology
Recorded On: 05/01/2025
Description:
Sepsis is a major global health challenge, contributing to high mortality, long-term disability, and significant healthcare costs. Despite advances in medical care, it remains a leading cause of hospital admissions and critical illness, often requiring intensive care management. This module examines the evolving definitions of sepsis, its global and regional burden, and its key clinical features. It also explores major risk factors, vulnerable populations, and the critical role of infection prevention and early recognition. Understanding the diverse bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections that lead to sepsis is essential for effective management. Additionally, evidence-based strategies for reducing sepsis incidence and improving patient outcomes through timely diagnosis, early intervention, and public health initiatives will be highlighted.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the activity, the learner should be able to:
- Define sepsis based on current clinical and epidemiological criteria;
- Describe the global and regional burden of sepsis, including its incidence, mortality and healthcare impact;
- Identify key clinical features of sepsis, including diagnostic criteria and progression;
- Identify major risk factors for sepsis and populations at increased risk;
- Evaluate strategies for sepsis prevention, including early recognition, infection control measures, and public health interventions.
Chanu Rhee, MD, MPH, FIDSA
Assistant Professor of Population Medicine
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute / Harvard Medical School
Chanu Rhee, MD, MPH, is an Associate Professor of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School and an infectious disease and critical care physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He is internationally recognized for his contributions and expertise in the epidemiology, surveillance, diagnosis, prevention, and management of sepsis and infections in critically ill patients. He conducts clinical and epidemiologic research with a particular focus on harnessing electronic health record data to generate insights that advance clinical practice, quality improvement, public health strategy, and healthcare policy. He has been a leader in sepsis quality improvement efforts within the Mass General Brigham system and has participated in many national committees focused on improving sepsis care and outcomes, including in his current role as Chair of the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s Sepsis Advisory Panel. Dr. Rhee is an associate editor for Clinical Infectious Diseases, a member of the editorial boards for Critical Care Medicine and Critical Care Explorations, and a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, and the American College of Critical Care Medicine.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP17068 for 1.1 contact hours.
Other healthcare professionals will receive a certificate of attendance for .9 contact hours.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on or available through this site is intended for educational purposes only. Sepsis Alliance does not represent or guarantee that information on or available through this site is applicable to any specific patient’s care or treatment. The educational content on or available through this site does not constitute medical advice from a physician and is not to be used as a substitute for treatment or advice from a practicing physician or other healthcare professional. Sepsis Alliance recommends users consult their physician or healthcare professional regarding any questions about whether the information on or available through this site might apply to their individual treatment or care.