Sepsis Recognition and Management in Critically Ill Patients: ICU Nurses' Perspective

Introduction: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition resulting from an uncontrolled immune response to infection, leading to organ dysfunction and high mortality rates. In critically ill patients, early recognition and prompt management are crucial for improving outcomes. Despite advancements in critical care, delays in sepsis identification and treatment remain a significant challenge in healthcare settings. Aim: This study explores nurses’ perspectives on sepsis recognition and management in critically ill patients. Design: A qualitative descriptive research design was employed. Method: Fourteen nurses were purposively recruited from a public university medical center in Ghana. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in March 2023, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Five main themes and 15 sub-themes emerged from the analysis. The main themes included: ‘Sepsis Recognition by ICU Nurses,’ ‘Interpreting Clinical Indicators,’ ‘ICU Nurses’ Attitudes Towards Recognition and Management of Sepsis per Standard Protocol,’ ‘Effective Management of Sepsis in the ICU,’ and ‘Barriers to Effective Sepsis Management.’ Conclusion: ICU nurses in Ghana possess foundational knowledge of sepsis but encounter challenges due to inconsistencies in clinical assessment and adherence to protocols. Strengthening training, implementing structured sepsis protocols, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration are essential for improving sepsis management. Future research should focus on targeted interventions to address these gaps and enhance patient outcomes.