Exploring Long-Term Outcomes in Sepsis Survivors: A Prospective Cohort Study Across Acute Hospitals

While sepsis survival rates have improved, long-term consequences remain under-recognised and support services limited. Survivors often face persistent physical, cognitive and psychological impairments that diminish their quality of life.

To investigate the long-term health outcomes and sequelae experienced by survivors of critical care-treated sepsis and septic shock.

Adapting the Mid-German Sepsis Cohort protocol to the Irish context, this prospective longitudinal study spanned five acute hospitals. Participants were adults surviving critical care-treated sepsis. In-hospital data consisted of three stages: onset, critical care discharge and hospital discharge. Follow-up surveys at 3, 6 and 12 months assessed quality of life, post-traumatic stress, depression, fatigue, activities of daily living, medico/socio-economic factors, healthcare utilisation and other sepsis sequelae. Data were collected 10th June 2020 to 15th May 2023. Data analysis was descriptive with use of repeated measures ANOVA using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26.

Of 81 survivors (69.1% with septic shock), median age was 60 and hospital stay was 32 days. At 12 months, employment remained below pre-sepsis levels. Physical impairments, especially fatigue were common. Over half reported cognitive issues, such as memory disturbance, while psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression and sleep disorders remained prevalent. General Practitioners were the most frequently accessed source of post-sepsis support.

Aligned with international evidence: sepsis survivors face high rates of multi-dimensional impairment, highlighting the need for integrated, multidisciplinary support systems and strengthened post-discharge care pathways.

Lasting physical, psychological and cognitive impacts highlight gaps in recovery structures. Recommendations to improve survivorship care. Raises awareness for survivors, practitioners and policymakers.

Followed STROBE guidelines.

This research underscores the one-year impact of sepsis with recommendations for improving post-discharge support.

Initially planned to engage with a patient forum; however, this was not possible due to restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.