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In 2022–23, more than 84 000 Australians were hospitalised for sepsis, and over 12 000 died. This is far higher than previous estimates of 55 000 cases a year and confirms what many of us see on the frontline: sepsis is more widespread, deadly and costly than previously understood.
For clinicians, the message is clear. Sepsis is a time-critical medical emergency where early recognition, rapid treatment and coordinated discharge planning make the difference between recovery and long-term harm, or even death.
A clearer picture of sepsis in Australia
A landmark Sepsis Epidemiology Report, published by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, analysed more than 900,000 hospitalisations for sepsis in Australian public hospitals from 2013–14 to 2022–23. It is the most comprehensive analysis to date of sepsis prevalence, outcomes and risk factors.
Key findings include:
- 1 in 7 patients hospitalised for sepsis died.
- 1 in 3 patients hospitalised with sepsis also had diabetes and 1 in 6 had renal disease. Patients with cancer were also more commonly seen.
- Sepsis hospitalisation rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were double those of non-Indigenous Australians.
- More than half of all readmissions after a sepsis hospitalisation occurred within 30 days, with 1 in 5 patients readmitted again for sepsis.
This report also shows encouraging signs of progress. The proportion of sepsis-related deaths occurring in emergency departments has declined, suggesting that clinical pathways and national awareness programs are improving early recognition and response.
What this means for clinical practice
The report confirms what many clinicians already know: ageing, chronic disease and low immunity increase the risk of sepsis, and patients with these risk factors require a heightened level of vigilance.
Clinicians should be aware of the following:
- Recognition and escalation: Always consider sepsis in patients with infection and signs of deterioration. Embedding sepsis clinical pathways and the Sepsis Clinical Care Standard into routine practice can help teams respond consistently and quickly.
- Discharge planning and follow-up: The high rate of early readmissions highlights the importance of robust discharge plans, continuity of care and clear communication with GPs and community providers.
- Equity in care: The significantly higher sepsis burden among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples demands a continued focus on culturally safe care, earlier recognition and timely intervention.
Listening to patients and families
One recurring message from sepsis survivors and families is that their concerns were not always heard. Patients and carers often reported ‘knowing something was very wrong and feeling the worst they had ever felt’ before clinical teams recognised deterioration.
Recent research reinforces this; caregiver concern is strongly associated with clinical illness in paediatric patients and is linked to ICU admission and ventilation. Listening to patients and families is not just good practice, it can be lifesaving.
The path ahead
Australia is making progress. National programs, clinical pathways and awareness campaigns are helping to reduce deaths and improve recognition. But the burden of sepsis, measured in deaths, readmissions, long-term disability and healthcare costs, remains unacceptably high.
As clinicians, we are central to changing this story. We know that making a sepsis diagnosis is not easy, but by embedding clinical practice into daily care, listening to patients and families, and strengthening discharge and follow-up, we can reduce preventable harm and save lives.
Following World Sepsis Day this year, we are reminded that every interaction matters. The simplest action, asking ‘could it be sepsis?’ can be the first step towards recovery.
For further resources, including the full Sepsis Epidemiology Report, visit safetyandquality.gov.au/sepsis-report.
Conjoint Professor Carolyn Hullick is the Chief Medical Officer of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality and an Emergency Physician.
The statements or opinions expressed in this article reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policy of the AMA, the MJA or InSight+ unless so stated.
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