Overview
In observance of World Sepsis Day 2024, a nationwide digital survey initiative was launched to assess awareness, diagnostic challenges, and clinical practices related to sepsis among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in India. The objective was to gather data-driven insights to improve patient outcomes and guide future educational and policy measures in sepsis management.
This case study outlines the execution strategy, key findings, and impact metrics of the campaign, which ran in two phases—April to June and October to November 2024.
Objective
The primary goal of the initiative was to:
- Assess the knowledge, practices, and challenges in diagnosing and treating sepsis.
- Understand the adherence to sepsis management protocols in different healthcare settings.
- Encourage participation from a diverse range of specialists including intensivists, microbiologists, and infectious disease experts.
Methodology
The survey was hosted on a medical learning platform for doctors and was promoted using a strategic omnichannel communication plan. The campaign primarily used:
- Weekly SMS marketing
- Push notifications via a dedicated mobile app
- Email outreach and website placements
Target Audience:
- Total outreach: 11,196 healthcare professionals
- 42 Infectious Disease Specialists
- 2,032 Microbiologists
- 9,122 Intensivists
Survey Reach & Response:
- Impressions: 46,342
- Total Responses: 304
The survey collected both quantitative and qualitative data from respondents practicing across various tiers of the healthcare system.
Key Highlights
Engagement Success
The campaign’s week-on-week messaging strategy led to a consistent inflow of responses. It achieved:
- 304 verified responses
- Broad geographic and professional diversity
- High digital engagement through SMS and app-based notifications
Demographic Insight
Professional Roles
- 42.4% Intensivists
- 38.5% Microbiologists
Clinical Experience
- 34.2% of respondents had 5–10 years of experience
Facility Type
- 92.95% were from private hospitals
- 42.08% were affiliated with secondary care institutions
Findings from Survey
| Parameter | Key Result |
|---|---|
| Leading Pathogens in ICU Sepsis | Pseudomonas aeruginosa (70.07%) E. coli Acinetobacter baumannii |
| Protocol Availability | 86.1% confirmed the presence of sepsis management protocols |
| Sepsis Incidence Rate | Reported in 10–30% of ICU cases monthly |
| Diagnostic Practices | 59.9% routinely conducted rapid carbapenemase gene testing |
| First-Line Treatment | Carbapenems used by 63.6% of practitioners |
| Treatment Duration | 42.9% opted for more than 7 days of therapy |
| Targeted Therapy Usage | 87.8% adjusted treatment based on microbiology results |
These findings highlight a strong inclination towards evidence-based care among Indian healthcare professionals. However, it also brought attention to variability in diagnostic implementation and the need for broader protocol standardization.
Impact & Implications
This digital survey provided a snapshot of how sepsis is understood and managed across different hospital settings in India. Key takeaways include:
- Strong adherence to clinical guidelines in treatment and therapy adjustments.
- Variations in diagnostic testing indicate a need for further investment in diagnostic infrastructure and training.
- Effective digital outreach strategies can lead to meaningful engagement from HCPs, even for complex topics like sepsis.
The campaign reinforces the critical need for ongoing education, diagnostic resource allocation, and policy development to tackle sepsis more effectively in Indian healthcare settings.
Conclusion
The World Sepsis Day Survey 2024 serves as a model for leveraging digital platforms to generate clinical insights at scale. The success of the campaign lies in its strategic targeting, structured outreach, and alignment with a global health agenda. The findings underscore both the progress and the persistent gaps in sepsis management—providing a roadmap for future educational and clinical interventions.