Is Hospital-Onset Sepsis Our Blind Spot?

Hospital-onset sepsis presents a complex and urgent challenge at the intersection of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and clinical decision-making. Nicole welcomes Dr. Jennifer Ginestra and Dr. Emi Minejima to examine how HAIs contribute to both AMR and the development of sepsis within hospital settings—and why these cases often carry higher risks and worse outcomes. Together they'll explore key insights from recent literature, including the need for clearer definitions, refined metrics, and improved alignment with antimicrobial stewardship efforts. They will also dive into how diagnostic uncertainty, delayed recognition, and treatment hesitations can turn manageable infections into life-threatening events. Featured Guests: Jennifer Ginestra, MD, MSHP (@JenGinestraMD): Critical care physician and health systems researcher focused on quality improvement and learning health system design. Emi Minejima, PharmD, FIDSA: Pharmacy professor and researcher specializing in antimicrobial use, diagnostic stewardship, and pharmacist-led interventions. Key Takeaways: Understand how healthcare-associated infections contribute to both antimicrobial resistance and hospital-onset sepsis and why these cases carry unique risks. Explore key themes from recent literature on hospital-onset sepsis, including the need for clearer definitions, more nuanced metrics, and better alignment with stewardship principles. Examine how delays in recognition, diagnostics, or response can escalate treatable infections into high-stakes clinical scenarios. Learn how antimicrobial stewardship intersects with diagnostic uncertainty, timing pressures, and the fear of under-treatment in hospital settings. Identify system-level barriers and frontline opportunities to better prevent, recognize, and manage HAIs, MDROs, and hospital-onset sepsis across disciplines. — Get in Touch: info@sepsis.org Or Visit Us At: SepsisPodcast.org Connect with Nicole on Socials: @nicolekupchik Connect with Sepsis Alliance on Socials: @sepsisalliance To Learn More About Sepsis, Visit EndSuperbugs.org Produced by: Human Content and Sepsis Alliance

Om Podcasten

Forget everything you ever read in a textbook when it comes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and sepsis complications – because they rarely play by the rules. They evolve, adapt, and strike before it’s too late. While classic symptoms like fever, tachycardia, and hypotension are well known, the real challenge lies in recognizing the unexpected to reduce your mental list of those unknown, unknowns.  Hosted by Critical Care RN & CNS Author Nicole Kupchik, The Sepsis Spectrum is an exploration of real-world patient cases, expert insights, and clinical deep dives to unravel the most complex presentations facing modern medicine. Through gripping stories and in-depth interviews, Nicole examines diagnostic challenges, cutting-edge treatments, and the growing threat of AMR. Designed for healthcare professionals at every level, The Sepsis Spectrum is about leaving you with more than compelling stories—it’s a vital resource in podcast form. Whether you’re at the bedside or in the classroom, you’ll finish each episode with practical, life-saving knowledge—and earn free CE Contact Hours for Nurses along the way. The fight against sepsis and AMR starts with recognition — because the most dangerous threats are the ones you don’t see coming. A Sepsis Alliance Podcast Nursing CE Contact Hours Available - Sepsis Alliance is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP17068. Most U.S. states accept CE provided through the California Board of Registered Nursing, but nurses in other states should check with their local and state accrediting bodies to confirm. Canadian and non-US based nurses should consult their provincial or territorial regulator to confirm acceptance.