Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute Launches Center for Sepsis Epidemiology and Prevention Studies

The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute (HPHCI) is thrilled to announce the establishment of the Center for Sepsis Epidemiology and Prevention Studies (SEPSIS). This groundbreaking center focuses on advancing the understanding, prevention, and management of sepsis, a life-threatening condition arising from a body’s overreaction to infection.

Leadership and Expertise

Dr. Chanu Rhee and Dr. Michael Klompas lead the SEPSIS Center, renowned experts in sepsis surveillance, prevention, treatment, and policy. Both hold faculty positions at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, bringing years of experience and a shared passion for improving sepsis care.

Sepsis is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, yet it remains under-recognized and challenging to address effectively. Our Center is uniquely positioned to generate insights to inform clinical care, quality improvement, public health practice, and health care policy.

Dr. Chanu Rhee

The Severity of Sepsis

In the United States alone, over 1.7 million adults experience sepsis annually, with more than 350,000 deaths resulting from the condition. Globally, the figures are even more alarming: 49 million cases and 11 million deaths annually, accounting for one in five deaths. The financial and emotional impact on individuals and families cannot be overstated.

Current Challenges in Sepsis Management

Despite the significant impact of sepsis, progress in managing the condition has been hindered by several challenges. These include difficulties in accurate diagnosis, gaps in epidemiologic surveillance, uncertainties around optimal prevention and treatment, and a limited public understanding of the disease. The launch of the SEPSIS Center marks an essential step forward in tackling these issues and accelerating effective solutions.

The SEPSIS Center’s Focus Areas

The SEPSIS Center will collaborate with partners both domestically and internationally to address key challenges in sepsis care and prevention. Three main focus areas have been identified:

• Sepsis Surveillance and Epidemiology: Conducting comprehensive studies to characterize sepsis incidence, outcomes, antibiotic use, and antibiotic resistance patterns.
• Quality Measures and Policy Impact: Evaluating current sepsis policies and quality measures and developing evidence to support new actions and standards.
• Innovative Research Collaborations: Partnering with leading health care systems and public health agencies to design and implement effective strategies for enhancing sepsis prevention, recognition, and treatment.

TheSEPSIS Center’s Mission

“We have both the responsibility and the opportunity to drive meaningful change in the fight against sepsis,” stated Dr. Klompas. “Our goals include reducing sepsis incidence, informing more targeted and effective treatments, refining sepsis policies, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.”

Alignment with HPHCI’s Values

The SEPSIS Center’s mission aligns with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute’s broader commitment to enhancing health care delivery and population health through research and innovation. Emily Oken, president of HPHCI and professor of the Department of Population Medicine at Harvard Medical School, expressed excitement about the initiative.

The SEPSIS Center embodies our dedication to tackling the most pressing challenges in health care. We are thrilled to support this effort and its potential to make a lasting impact on sepsis care and prevention.

Conclusion

The launch of the Center for Sepsis Epidemiology and Prevention Studies marks a pivotal moment in the fight against this devastating condition. With its multifaceted approach, the SEPSIS Center aims to fill critical gaps in knowledge and practice, ultimately saving lives and improving the health of populations around the world.

Stay informed about the SEPSIS Center’s progress and research findings. Your support is vital in supporting this important work.

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