Bridging the Gap in Sepsis Recovery: A Scoping Review of Post-Discharge Care Interventions

Abstract

Background: Sepsis affects an estimated 166 million people annually. Short-term survival has been the primary focus of research to date, yet individuals who survive acute sepsis face substantial long-term challenges, including chronic illness, physical disability, cognitive impairment, chronic organ dysfunction, cardiovascular events, and psychological disorders. These complications contribute to personal economic hardship, high healthcare utilization, frequent rehospitalization, and significant mortality rates. Objectives: We aimed to identify and summarize key interventions for sepsis survivors’ post-hospital discharge – including physical rehabilitation, psychological care, provider assessments, monitoring, medication, and education – and to identify gaps in current evidence to elucidate future research priorities. Methods: A systematic scoping review was completed across five databases, supplemented with hand searching. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data. Eligible studies focused on adult survivors of sepsis, where interventions were implemented after discharge from acute care, and included any research design. Results: Thirteen studies with four follow-up papers were included. Five reported on the impact of simultaneous intervention protocols, four on physical rehabilitation alone, and two on provider assessment and follow-up. The final two focused on psychological care, and pharmacotherapy. Mortality and readmission rates were the most common outcomes measured; satisfaction with care services, mental health outcomes, and cardiovascular event incidence were also evaluated. Qualitative study data was limited. Four studies mentioned intervention costs, but none completed a cost-benefit analysis. Based on a limited pool of evidence, protocolized multi-intervention approaches, provider assessment and follow-up, and physical rehabilitation show some promise in reducing hospital readmissions and improving long-term survival from sepsis. No interventions positively impacted sepsis survivors’ mental health. Further, no studies evaluating educational interventions alone were identified. Conclusions: This review highlights the need for more comprehensive, multidisciplinary post-sepsis care interventions. Future research should focus on patient education, mental health support, and cost-effectiveness analyses to inform evidence-based post-sepsis care strategies.