Implementing a sepsis prediction score in out-of-hours primary care: Feasibility and acceptability study

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Medicine
• Clinical Decision Support
• Sepsis Management

Background:

• Clinical scoring systems aid in sepsis prediction and treatment guidance.
• A novel sepsis prediction score was developed for acutely ill adults seen by out-of-hours (OOH) general practitioners (GPs) during home visits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of implementing this sepsis score during OOH GP home visits.
• To gather insights into general practitioners' experiences and perspectives on using the score.

Main Methods:

• A theory-informed mixed-methods study was conducted at two OOH GP cooperatives in the Netherlands.
• Data collection involved GPs calculating the sepsis score, completing usability questionnaires, and participating in focus groups and interviews.

Main Results:

• The sepsis score was utilized by 77% of GPs for all patients and 85% for acutely ill patients.
• 91% of GPs found the score convenient, and 66% considered it reliable and accurate.
• The score influenced referral decisions in 6% of all cases and 10% of acutely ill cases, serving as an adjunct to clinical judgment.

Conclusions:

• Implementing a sepsis prediction score in OOH primary care home visits is feasible, acceptable, and useful for GPs.
• Future research should focus on the clinical validation and cost-effectiveness of this sepsis score.