Center for Sepsis Epidemiology and Prevention Studies (SEPSIS)
Mission
The SEPSIS Center is dedicated to advancing sepsis care and prevention through rigorous clinical and epidemiological research. Our goal is to generate actionable insights that improve clinical practice, shape public health strategies, and drive healthcare policy to reduce the burden of sepsis.
Why Sepsis Research Matters
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated immune response to infection, leading to organ dysfunction, shock, and often death. Despite advances in modern medicine, sepsis remains a leading cause of mortality, contributing to over 350,000 deaths annually in the US and one in five deaths worldwide. The economic and emotional toll is staggering, with billions of dollars in healthcare costs each year and long-term disability affecting many survivors.
Although sepsis awareness and treatment have improved over time, progress is hindered by gaps in epidemiologic surveillance, challenges in diagnosis, variability in clinical presentations, and uncertainties about optimal prevention and management strategies. The SEPSIS Center is committed to closing these gaps through cutting-edge research and data-driven solutions.
Who We Are
The SEPSIS Center at the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute brings together Harvard Medical School-appointed faculty with expertise in infectious diseases, critical care, emergency medicine, healthcare epidemiology, biostatistics, and data science and includes internationally recognized leaders in sepsis surveillance, prevention, treatment, and policy.
By leveraging large electronic health record datasets and collaborating with healthcare delivery systems, public health agencies, and top academic institutions, we are uniquely positioned to identify key risk factors, develop innovative surveillance methods and quality metrics, and design effective strategies to combat this life-threatening condition.