Sepsis in General Practice: experience and attitudes regarding Early Warning Scores

AIMS: To explore General Practitioner (GP) knowledge and experience of sepsis and their attitudes toward the implementation of Early Warning Score (EWS) tools in general practice. Early Warning Scores are clinical scoring systems that combine vital signs to detect early signs of patient deterioration and prompt timely medical intervention. As General Practitioners (GP) are usually the first point of contact for unwell patients, the use of EWSs in General Practice requires exploration.

METHODS: A qualitative study design based on the Theoretical Domains Framework using semi-structured interviews with GPs in the Republic of Ireland was used.

RESULTS: Interviews were facilitated with eight GPs. Four dominant domains were identified: Knowledge, Skills, Beliefs about Consequences and Environmental Context and Resources. All participants had knowledge of sepsis and EWSs, and those who used it found it beneficial in supporting clinical decision-making.

CONCLUSION: GPs in this study demonstrated knowledge and experience related to sepsis. Attitudes towards the potential for use of EWSs in primary care were mixed however some participants were already using informal systems to identify risk of sepsis. Currently no EWs is validated for use in primary care. Research into the use of EWSs for primary care is needed.