With September being International Sepsis Awareness Month, we wanted to highlight this crucial issue and the work the Centre for International Health Partnerships has been undertaking to improve the prevention, recognition and management of sepsis internationally.
Since 2021, the Centre has successfully delivered one for the few academic post-qualification modules focusing specifically on the Prevention, Recognition and Management of Sepsis. This module can be studied as a stand-alone module or as part of one of post-qualification pathways.
The focus is on the prevention of sepsis in the community, ambulance services and acute settings, using the patient pathway from presentation through to post-sepsis syndrome.
Topics include vulnerable groups such as those with learning disabilities, children, mental health and individuals with complex co-morbidities, evidence behind the guidelines, human factors, Martha’s Rule, managing acute physical deterioration through the ‘prevention, identification, escalation, response’ (PIER) approach and antimicrobial resistance.
Emphasis is placed on including major policies such as the publication of Sepsis Modern Sepsis Framework in July 2026. This Framework aims to reduce death, life-threatening complications and long-term impact from sepsis in all patient groups by at least 25% by 2035.
This module is part of our wider programme of work relating to sepsis. For example, the module has been adapted and delivered for international students in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi and Zambia, with study days in Viet Nam and China. In August, the Centre delivered a national webinar for the Critical Care Nurses Association of Malawi on Best Practices for Prevention and Management of Sepsis in Critical Care.
We are currently working with Health Innovation West Midlands, West Midlands Children’s Network and West Midlands Adult Critical Care Network on a research project to explore current awareness, knowledge and understanding of Martha's Rule and how it is applied among BCU future nurse and post-qualification students.
More details on BCUs Post-Qual Prevention, Recognition & Management of Sepsis module can be found on our course page: Professional Practice - Module - 2026/27 Entry | Birmingham City University.