Somerset’s two principal hospitals, Musgrove Park and Yeovil, are participating in a groundbreaking national trial that aims to transform sepsis treatment within the NHS by evaluating shorter antibiotic courses.
The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has joined the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) SHORTER study, which investigates whether a five-day antibiotic regimen is as effective and safe as the longer courses currently prescribed for sepsis patients.
Sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection often called blood poisoning, requires prompt antibiotic treatment. However, prolonged use of antibiotics can lead to harmful side effects and contribute to the escalating problem of antibiotic resistance.
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Ashly Thomas, a clinical research nurse at Musgrove Park Hospital, explained, “Sepsis cases fluctuate in how they present, and the infection source is not always clear. Our microbiology and critical care teams collaborate daily to tailor antibiotic treatment, balancing effective care with minimizing resistance risks.”
The SHORTER study divides participants into two groups: one receives the standard antibiotic treatment duration, while the other undergoes a shortened five-day course designed to curb antibiotic resistance. The primary focus is to determine if patients require additional antibiotics after hospital discharge.
Becky Purnell, senior research nurse at Yeovil Hospital, emphasized the study’s significance, “We give many antibiotics in critical care, but there is limited clinical evidence on the optimal duration. This study could potentially refine guidelines and reduce side effects.”
Only low-risk patients in critical care are eligible for this trial. Final approval lies with attending physicians who assess each patient’s suitability. Research teams obtain informed consent from patients or their next of kin, ensuring clarity about the study’s purpose.
Throughout the hospital stay, patients are closely monitored. Follow-up questionnaires assess their quality of life post-discharge, with another check-in 90 days later to record any readmissions or additional antibiotic treatments.
Becky reassured, “The study is entirely safe. Patients are under daily doctor supervision, and any need for extra antibiotics is promptly addressed.”
The trial at Yeovil has already recruited 12 patients, with five more at Musgrove Park. Both hospitals report strong engagement from consultants, reflecting commitment to improving sepsis care through evidence-based practice.