Identifying barriers and facilitators to seeking care for symptoms of bacterial sepsis: A qualitative study

AIM: Research suggests that early access to quality care is essential to improving bacteraemia outcomes and reducing the risk of developing sepsis because it allows for early intervention. Currently, there are limited data regarding the facilitators and barriers that alter the trajectory of arrival at the hospital when patients in the United States experience symptoms of bacteraemia and sepsis. This study sought to explore and describe the facilitators and barriers to seeking care for suspected bacteraemia and sepsis symptoms. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive study. METHODS: Ten men and women were recruited using convenience sampling. The study used audio‐recorded semi‐structured interviews and the collection of socio‐demographic data as the data collection techniques. Thematic analysis was used, including inductive and deductive approaches, to analyse the data. RESULTS: During data analysis, the codes related to barriers and facilitators were collapsed into three themes—symptom recognition, psychosocial support and healthcare planning and coordination. PATIENT CONTRIBUTION: The patients' participation in the study has contributed to our understanding of patients' perspectives and experiences in the pre‐hospital phase and provides important insights into what barriers and facilitators are encountered. Study findings highlight the need to develop interventions to improve patient decision time, patient–provider interactions and knowledge of bacteraemia and sepsis through patient and provider education.