The Lancet : “Sepsis hysteria: excess hype and unrealistic expectations.” reactions

[Sly Saint]

David Oliver: Sepsis—what’s behind the “hype”?

A letter was published in the Lancet last week, entitled “Sepsis hysteria: excess hype and unrealistic expectations.”1 It triggered lively Twitter exchanges under the hashtag #sepsishysteria.2 The ensuing discussion starkly exemplified some issues doctors now face when discussing contested, emotionally charged topics on social media.

The Lancet letter found much support from doctors on social media who were pleased to see someone raising the issue; it also generated considerable tension online. I respect the authors’ academic integrity and principles for examining the impact and unintended consequences of their work and, very publicly, pausing for thought.

But patients and public alike have seen some very high profile campaigning on sepsis, and in some cases they’ve been personally bereaved or harmed by the condition and have used their experiences to lend weight to campaigns. In view of the raised expectations and vigilance, doctors now blame too much “hype” and “hysteria.”1 No wonder the reaction from patients, families, and campaigners was so strong. Wasn’t this a condition that was too often missed, where delayed treatment led to avoidable deaths?

bmj article:
https://www.bmj.com/content/367/bmj.l6327

lancet article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(19)32483-3/fulltext#

 

[alktipping]

the lancet doctor sounds like a Harold shipman type its ok to be left to die if your old and ill . it seems that compassion is not necessary to become a doctor at all .

 

[Snow Leopard]

Isn't the solution more research? Rather than go, oh, we can't do anything, and most deaths aren't even conclusively due to sepsis, therefore business as usual?

 

[Amw66]

My aunts cousin died from sepsis this year aged 67. I don' t know what the underlying trigger was.
Felt unwell, brushed off by GP.
Felt really unwell a week later and presented at A and E.
Rushed in, died around a week later.

Is this potnentially another Male/ female split re being taken seriously? Or just her bad luck.