The 700% Gap and the AMR-Sepsis Connection: A Public Health Crisis Demanding Action

This staggering statistic comes from a recent survey titled “State of Hospitalized Patient Care in the US July, 2023,” where 85% of respondents agreed that more education is needed for patients about AMR.

So, why the gap? Medical professionals are trained to understand the complexities of AMR and its impact on sepsis. However, the public often remains in the dark, primarily due to a lack of targeted education. According to the CDC, AMR is one of the biggest public health challenges of our time, affecting more than 2.8 million people in the U.S. annually.

This gap is not just alarming; it’s dangerous. A well-informed public is the first line of defense in preventing sepsis and combating AMR. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that sepsis affects an estimated 30 million people worldwide every year, potentially leading to 6 million deaths. That’s why initiatives like Sepsis Awareness Month are so crucial. They serve as a platform to educate the public, empower individuals, and ultimately save lives. Schools, community centers, and healthcare facilities should provide more educational resources as well as learning events on AMR and sepsis. According to this survey, 43% of respondents have ‘Never discussed’ AMR with their healthcare provider. This is an issue that needs to be addressed because it puts everyone at risk.

A lack of public knowledge means fewer people taking precautions, leading to more cases of sepsis. It also means less public demand for research and solutions, which stalls progress in combating AMR and sepsis. In fact, according to this survey, medical professionals are ~500%+ more concerned than non-medical professionals about the effects of AMR-caused infections on their current and future health.

The time to bridge this 700% knowledge gap is now. Let’s take the time during Sepsis Awareness Month to become better informed and create a safer future for all.