The Experience of Sepsis amongst People with Learning Disabilities
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Experience of Sepsis amongst People with Learning Disabilities and those who care for them: a qualitative, exploratory study.
IRAS ID
261521
Contact name
Natalie Pattison
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hertfordshire
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, months, days
Research summary
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the body overreacts to infection leading to organ failure. In the early stages, sepsis is difficult to recognise but easy to treat. In the later stages, sepsis is easier to recognise but is difficult to treat. Mortality from sepsis is high; there is evidence of long-term physical, cognitive and psychological effects amongst survivors.
People with learning disabilities are more likely to be admitted to hospital with infections and sepsis than the general population. People with learning disabilities die over 25 years sooner than people without learning disabilities. Infections and sepsis are the leading causes of death.
This study explores the experience of sepsis amongst people with learning disabilities from multiple perspectives with a view to identify what can be done to help more people survive sepsis.
People with learning disabilities who have mental capacity, carers and care workers will be invited to participate in the first stage of the study. The sequence of events from the person becoming unwell with infection through the development of sepsis to treatment and recovery will be explored. It is expected that some of these people with learning disabilities will live independently, some with family carers and some in supported living environments, overseen by adult social care. Nurses and doctors with experience of assessing and treating people with learning disabilities with sepsis in hospital will be invited to participate in the second stage of the study. These participants will not be linked to the participants with learning disabilities.
Qualitative, semi-structured interviews, lasting on average 60 minutes, will be conducted face to face wherever possible and will be audio recorded and transcribed. Telephone and Skype interviews will be offered if more convenient. Preliminary thematic analysis of the first stage interviews will inform the topic guide for the second stage interviews.REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0857
Date of REC Opinion
1 Sep 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion