AHRQ Report Highlights Health Disparities Related to Sepsis

Sept. 19, 2024
Number of sepsis-related inpatient stays at non-federal hospitals in the United States increased from 1.8 million in 2016 to 2.5 million in 2021

The number of sepsis-related inpatient stays at non-federal acute care hospitals in the United States increased from 1.8 million in 2016 to 2.5 million in 2021, with a faster rate of increase following the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020, according to a report to Congress issued by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). 

The COVID 19 pandemic led to a noticeable rise in sepsis-related hospitalizations, hospital costs, and in-hospital mortality, particularly for patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis.

AHRQ was directed by Congress to conduct a comprehensive set of studies that calculate the morbidity, hospital readmissions, and mortality related to sepsis. The report examines sepsis among all patients as well as among specific patient populations, including adults, pregnant women, children, and newborns. The report also examines the association of pandemic-related changes in the healthcare system with the burden of sepsis.

"AHRQ's report to Congress highlights health disparities and geographic variation in sepsis caseloads, in-hospital mortality rates, and total hospital costs, which are all opportunities for targeted initiatives to improve patient outcomes and reduce financial strain on healthcare institutions," said AHRQ Director Robert Valdez, Ph.D., M.H.S.A., in a statement. 

"Improving the quality of sepsis care for patients and reducing the burden of sepsis on the hospital system will also require continued investments by federal, state, and non-governmental entities to further strengthen the surveillance and quality improvement systems to ensure access to evidence-based care and resources for patients with sepsis."

The report found that hospital emergency departments served as the entry point for most inpatient admissions related to sepsis. Detailed analyses on hospital use related to sepsis underscore its burden on hospital systems, and include:
• National trends in sepsis-related hospital utilization, morbidity, and in-hospital mortality, as well as trends for key patient populations, including adults, pregnant women, children, and newborns.
• Disparities in hospital utilization for sepsis and associated outcomes by patient race and ethnicity, sex, residence in socially vulnerable communities, and urban/rural location.
• State variation in hospital utilization for sepsis and associated costs, and in-hospital mortality rate.

 

Sponsored Recommendations

State of the Market: Transforming Healthcare; Strategies for Building a Resilient and Adaptive Workforce

The U.S. healthcare system is facing critical challenges, including workforce shortages, high turnover, and regulatory pressures. This guide highlights the vital role of technology...

How AI-Native Locating Intelligence Revolutionizes the RTLS market

Discover how leveraging an RTLS solution with artificial intelligence as the location engine can increase efficiency, improve safety, and elevate care without the compromises ...

Harnessing the True Power of Cultural, Clinical and Operational Data

Optimize healthcare performance by combining clinical, operational, and cultural insights. A deeper understanding of team factors improves care and resource management.

How Digital Co-Pilots for patients help navigate care journeys to lower costs, increase profits, and improve patient outcomes

Discover how digital care journey platforms act as 'co-pilots' for patients, improving outcomes and reducing costs, while boosting profitability and patient satisfaction in this...