Digital Alerts for Sepsis: a Qualitative Study (NCT05741801) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Digital Alerts for Sepsis: a Qualitative Study
United Kingdom39 participantsStarted 2022-11-04
Plain-language summary
Sepsis is a serious disease, most often caused by a bacterial infection, and can be treated with antibiotics. Identifying patients with sepsis as early as possible means treatment with antibiotics can be started earlier. To identify patients who may have sepsis, measurements such as high or low temperature and fast breathing rate are used to create a score showing the possibility of sepsis. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in hospitals contain the information needed to create a score and can alert a doctor or nurse that a patient may have sepsis. Research has shown that more patients get antibiotics earlier because of hospitals using this type of digital alert. Different hospitals have used different methods to create a score and use different types of digital alerts. This research wants to find out what hospital doctors and nurses think about digital alerts for sepsis and how they use them. The investigators also want to find out what patients who have had sepsis think about hospitals using these digital alerts. Understanding how these digital alerts are used and how they affect patient care can help see how they could be used better so patients can benefit.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Healthcare Professionals
* Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
* Any gender aged 18 years or above (no upper age limit).
* Fluent in English (or able to participate in an interview with other measures in place, e.g. interpreter).
* Currently working as a healthcare professional (e.g. doctor, nurse) in an NHS hospital trust.
Ex-Patients and Family Member
* Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
* Any gender aged 18 years or above (no upper age limit).
* Fluent in English (or able to participate in an interview with other measures in place, e.g. interpreter).
* Member of the public who has previously been diagnosed with sepsis and treated in hospital or family member/carer of someone who has previously had sepsis.
Exclusion Criteria:
* The participant may not enter the study if ANY of the following apply:
* Healthcare professional has less than 3 months experience working in relevant role. This is estimated to be a reasonable amount of time for them to have good experience of identifying patients with sepsis and/or using sepsis alert systems.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
In-depth, one-to-one, semi-structured interviews [or focus groups] on views and experience on sepsis digital alerts