Box 2 Essential aspects of emergency department sepsis care from the patient’s point of view. A summary of aspects to address during the evaluation of and conversation with a patient who may have sepsis

• Acknowledge the signs that a patient is worried and take them seriously

• Communicate about the word “sepsis” and what it means

• Communicate the urgency that the potential sepsis is recognized

• Inform the patient about the use of a sepsis team or sepsis protocol

• Inform the patient about the plan of action, including possible tests, treatments, and other decisions to be made over the following hours

• Inform the patient about the effects/symptoms that can be expected from the treatment or progression of the syndrome