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: [e-mail] 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