Imperial College London

Academic Institute

Frances Davies

Unknown

No

NIBDAPC_2023_0027

Blood-related infections are a significant concern in healthcare, as they can lead to serious medical complications. The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, which can result from various sources such as wounds, surgical procedures, or other infections is denoted as bacteremia. When these bacteria start to multiply in the bloodstream and the immune response mechanisms fail or become overwhelmed, it causes a bloodstream infection that can spread throughout the body. The infection can evolve into septicemia which is a severe response to infection, often characterized by widespread inflammation, organ dysfunction, and a high risk of mortality, particularly in critical care units. Therefore, early identification and management of these conditions is paramount in healthcare settings to mitigate its potentially dire consequences. The increased adoption of electronic health records has provided a valuable opportunity for healthcare providers and researchers to improve the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. Currently, when it comes to making computer programs that assist doctors in diagnosis, treatment, or prediction of possible complications, these three conditions (bacteremia, bloodstream infection and sepsis) are usually handled separately. Creating separate computer programs might produce accurate results during the development phase but often they do not perform effectively in real-life medical scenarios. Furthermore, employing various systems that yield divergent and at times conflicting outcomes may generate confusion among medical professionals, prompting uncertainties or hesitance in adopting these tools. Since these conditions are all related and occur in a sequence or a cycle, it's crucial to research and develop computer programs that consider all of them collectively. This would help improve understanding on the underlying mechanisms and temporal dynamics of these conditions, how they relate to each other, how they progress over time and what are the most relevant risk factors. Ultimately, these findings could pave the way for the development of a computer program that effectively assists clinicians in prevention, early detection, and treatment covering the different steps needed to manage blood-related infections and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Our project to develop a computer program to support healthcare professionals in the management of bacteremia, bloodstream infections, and sepsis is driven by a clear understanding of the profound impact these conditions have on patients and the broader public. From discussions with health care professionals, patients, and the public, it has become clear that this research question is important and offers substantial benefits to the patients and the public at large. Looking at it from the healthcare professional’s point of view, identifying the signs of sickness or deterioration early is crucial the help patients get better. The project focuses on the use of a computer program to quickly look through patient information like vital signs, test results and medical history to facilitate healthcare professionals to diagnose and start the treatment as soon as possible. Early detection can significantly reduce the risk of complications and mortality, benefiting both individual patients and the public health system. Moreover, not all cases progress in the same way and the appropriate treatment strategy varies based on patient-specific factors. By helping doctors make personalized treatment plans, we enhance the effectiveness of treatments and reduce the chances of treatment failure. This approach, in which the patient is at the centre, not only improves outcomes but also reduces the unnecessary use of antibiotics, addressing the global concern of antimicrobial resistance. In addition, these conditions can rapidly escalate, leading to severe illness and death if not managed effectively. By assisting healthcare professionals make informed decisions, we aim to mitigate the progression of the disease, which hopefully reduces the number of patients affected severely and therefore the mortality rates. This benefit extends to patients, families, and the broader community, as it eases the burden on healthcare resources and reduces the emotional and economic toll of these diseases. From the patient’s point of view, this project aims to create a piece of technology to give doctors the tools they need to identify the signs of these conditions sooner and select a personalized plan so that patients get better without suffering any complications. The notion of detecting infections at an early stage resonates profoundly, as it facilitates the identification and treatment of health issues before they escalate. The concept of facilitating healthcare professionals to select a personalized plan that considers the patient’s individual medical history instead of the one-size-fits-all approach emphasizes a patient-centred approach which is met with reassurance. In addition, patients find interesting to know that projects like this could also help health experts learn more about these conditions and express a sense of fulfilment in knowing that participation holds the potential to contribute to broader advancements in public health practices.

Public Health Research

16/02/2024

14/11/2023

De-Personalised

Not applicable

Not applicable

One-off

16/02/2024

TRE