Abstract
This Briefing outlines the findings of the first analysis of national-level epidemiological trends in sepsis in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). We observed a 78% increase in sepsis-associated hospitalisations (SAH) between 2000 and 2019, with the highest rates for those <1 year or ≥70 years, Māori and Pacific peoples, and those living in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation. Most patients survived to discharge, and risk of death decreased by 50% over this study period. However, in-hospital deaths from a SAH represented almost 5% of total mortality in NZ between 2000 and 2019, with significant disparities between patient populations.
Our findings highlight an urgent need for a coordinated national plan to address the large, increasing and inequitable burden of sepsis in NZ. We propose a multifaceted approach for sepsis prevention and long-term harm reduction by focusing on Te Tiriti-aligned and Māori and Pacific co-designed strategies, infection prevention, antibiotic stewardship, early recognition, rapid treatment, post-sepsis care and rehabilitation, improved data collection and surveillance, as well as improved health literacy.