We have been a partner in the African Research Collaboration on Sepsis (ARCS) network since 2018. The aim of this network is to improve the survival and quality of life of sepsis patients in Africa, researching and advocating for new and better ways to diagnose, treat and support patients with sepsis. Point of care ultrasound (also known as bedside ultrasound) is a test which could possibly be helpful in sepsis patients in Africa, but so far there is not enough evidence to support this claim.

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We are working with other partners in the network on a “study of bedside ultrasound in emergency sepsis” to find out more. Our team of ultrasound experts from Uganda, the UK and Germany have taught the research clinicians in Malawi, Gabon and Uganda the knowledge and skills they need to perform the test and to collect the study data and they have been mentoring them ever since. As the study concludes in 2022 the team will have gained valuable insights into how bedside ultrasound might be useful, how the patients and staff experienced this new test and what it will mean for patient care and further research. The findings will be shared in scientific journals and at international sepsis conferences.