Scand J Trauma Resus
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Scand J Trauma Resus · Nov 2023
Meta AnalysisScreening tools for sepsis identification in paramedicine and other emergency contexts: a rapid systematic review.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that contributes significantly to protracted hospitalisations globally. The unique positioning of paramedics and other emergency care cadres in emergency contexts enable the prospect of early identification and management of sepsis, however, a standardised screening tool still does not exist in the emergency setting. The objective of this review was to identify and recommend the most clinically ideal sepsis screening tool for emergency contexts such as emergency departments and out-of-hospital emergency contexts. ⋯ The review recognised that a paucity of evidence exists surrounding standardised sepsis screening tools in the emergency context. The use of a sepsis screening tool in the emergency environment may be prudent, however there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend a single screening tool for this context. A combination of the qSOFA and SIRS may be employed to avoid 'practice paralysis' in the interim. The authors acknowledge the inherent potential for publication and selection bias within the review due to the inclusion criteria.