Top 10 research priorities for sepsis research determined by patients, carers and clinicians

INTRODUCTION: Sepsis is a high burden syndrome associated with increased morbidity and mortality in both the acute and longer-term phases of illness. Multiple treatment uncertainties remain that require resolution through high-quality research. This study aimed to identify the top 10 research priorities for sepsis research in the UK.

METHODS: We conducted a priority setting partnership study co-produced by sepsis survivors, carers and clinicians. This included five stages: initiation of steering group formation and confirmation of the scope of the priority setting partnership; identification of clinical uncertainties through an electronic survey; analysis and verification of uncertainties; interim prioritisation to the top 25 ranked questions; and final prioritisation to determine the top 10 research priorities, using the nominal group technique.

RESULTS: Our initial survey respondents comprised 447/718 (62.3%) people who had survived sepsis, their friends and family members; 218/718 (30.4%) clinicians; and 53/718 (7.1%) multiple/other roles who identified 53 distinct research uncertainties. Our interim prioritisation survey comprised 429/941 (45.8%) people who had survived sepsis, their friends and family members; 431/941 (46.0%) clinicians; and 73/941 (8.2%) multiple/other roles, with the top 25 ranked summary questions taken forwards for final prioritisation. From these, final workshop participants (n = 27) agreed a top 10 list of research priorities. Improved sepsis diagnosis; characterisation and management of the post-sepsis syndrome; and non-antibiotic treatment of sepsis were the top three priorities.

DISCUSSION: We establised priorities for sepsis research through a rigorous process of consensus involving sepsis survivors, carers and clinicians. These priorities will support future delivery of meaningful research to improve outcomes from sepsis.