Paediatric Sepsis: General Practice Update 2025 - Part 1

📣📣📣 The the on-demand module "Adult Sepsis in GP" is now available on the College e-learning platform. Course aims include:

• increasing sepsis awareness in primary care settings;
• assisting in the detection, assessment and early management of suspected sepsis;
• and developing understanding of post sepsis syndrome awareness among GPs.

The self-paced intereactive online module is free for members, PCS non-members and students, and takes approximately 60-90 mins to complete,

Upon successful completion, participants can avail of 2 CPD credits and 0.5 GMS study leave by accessing the CPDR code.

Link to course information, via Irish College of GPs education platform:
Adult Sepsis in GP

Participants

• Dr Andrea Fitzgerald, GP Clinical Lead for Paediatric Sepsis, Irish College of GPs
• Dr John Maher - Host

Summary

In the first episode of this two-part series, Dr John Maher is joined by Dr Andrea Fitzgerald, Lead Author of the Irish College of GPs’ "Paediatric Sepsis: General Practice Update" published in November 2025.

In line with other episodes featuring College GPUs, our conversation focuses on the usability of the GPU for GPs in day to day practice. The front page of the guide has a “Jump To” box, featuring quick links to sections that GPs might need during a consultation.

In today's episode, we discuss:

• the potential impact of paediatric sepsis for doctors, patients and caregivers alike;
• a suggested approach to observation, history taking and examination;
• and the importance safetynetting

In part two, which follows next week, we will move on to:

• Initial management of suspected sepsis in primary care;
• Next steps in management when sepsis is not suspected;
• Audit and practice opportunities for clinicians, and
• Sepsis prevention, including public awareness campaigns and additional resources for GPs.

Links

Please note there are numerous additional links to resources included throughout the Paediatric Sepsis GPU – please refer to the GPU for a more comprehensive suite of resources.

• Irish College of GPs: Acute Care GPUs
• Paediatric Sepsis: Quick Reference Guide (Irish College of GPs, November 2025)
• HSE Sepsis Clinical Resources Page
• HSE antibioticprescribing.ie
• HSE Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme

Resources for Parents, Guardians and Other Caregivers:

• HSE Sepsis Patient Information leaflets
• NHS / RCPCH Healthier Together 0–18 safety netting and parent information sheets

Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.

Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.

This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.

While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.