Emerging elements of paediatric post-sepsis care programs: A scoping review

Background

Sepsis is a significant cause of mortality for children in Australia, particularly affecting young children, those with pre-existing health conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. The transition from hospital to home can be challenging for survivors, often leaving long-term impacts unaddressed.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to identify and describe existing post-sepsis care interventions and models of care for paediatric survivors, with the aim of informing the development of a post-sepsis care pathway.

Methods

The JBI Scoping Review Framework guided the identification and selection of relevant literature, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines ensured transparent reporting, and the Patterns Advances Gaps Evidence for practice and Research and recommendations framework supported analysis and synthesis. Peer-reviewed literature was sourced from databases, the Cochrane Collaboration, reference lists, and expert consultations. Grey literature was identified through targeted searches of healthcare and paediatric organisation websites.

Results

Of 1843 records screened, eight met inclusion criteria: two peer-reviewed articles and six grey literature resources. Two emerging models of care were described: the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Pediatric Sepsis Survivorship Program and the Queensland Paediatric Sepsis Program. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia introduced a nurse coordinator role for discharge education and follow-up at 3 months utilising a survivor-needs questionnaire. The Queensland Paediatric Sepsis Program developed a webpage, videos, a family registry, and a peer mentor program codesigned with families. Both emphasised psychosocial support and care coordination, though neither had formal evaluations or measurable outcomes. Grey literature described general service approaches without defined interventions.

Conclusion

There is an evidence gap in structured, evaluated post-sepsis care for children. Only two emerging models of care were identified, neither formally assessed. Findings support the need for a comprehensive, culturally sensitive, family-centred care model and have informed the development of a pilot post-sepsis care pathway.