# Sepsis research in Canada: An environmental scan of sepsis investigators, research, and funding

## TL;DR

This study maps sepsis research in Canada, revealing low funding, limited focus on prevention and education, and lack of diversity among researchers.

## Contribution

The first comprehensive environmental scan of sepsis research in Canada, highlighting gaps in funding, diversity, and research scope.

## Key findings

- Only 0.7% of CIHR funding ($85 million) over 10 years was allocated to sepsis research.
- Most sepsis research focuses on identification and treatment, with minimal attention to prevention and education.
- Respondents were predominantly male, White/European, and senior academics, indicating a lack of diversity in the field.

## Abstract

Sepsis is the world’s second leading cause of mortality. In 2017, the World Health Assembly declared sepsis a global priority and adopted a resolution prompting member states to improve the prevention, recognition, and management of sepsis. This cross-sectional study examines the sepsis research landscape in Canada, including demographics, scope, and funding. Using convenient sampling, sepsis researchers in Canada were asked to complete an online 20-question survey. We also scanned the CIHR funding database from 2012–2022 to quantify national research dollars spent on sepsis-related projects. Quantitative data was summarized using descriptive statistics, and textual descriptions of current sepsis research activities were analyzed thematically. With a response rate of 46% (69 of the 150), respondents were primarily men (n = 46/69, 67%), who identified as White/European (n = 49/69, 71%), and were professors or clinical professors (n = 36/69, 52%). The predominant areas of research focus were identification of sepsis (n = 21/55, 38%) and treatment/management (29/55, 53%) of sepsis, while sepsis prevention (n = 4/55, 7%) and sepsis education (n = 5/55, 9%) garnered less attention. Past 10 years of CIHR funding data revealed that only 0.7% ($85 million) of total funding ($11 billion) was towards sepsis research, of which only 2 were new-investigator awards. This study illustrates the need for improving the diversity of sepsis researchers in Canada; expanding the scope of research to address sepsis prevention, recovery, and education; and increasing overall funding to sepsis.

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to infection and a leading cause of death worldwide and in Canada. In 2017, the World Health Assembly declared sepsis a global health priority that requires action on all fronts, including by enhancing sepsis research capacity. To translate sepsis research into public health practice in Canada, we need a clear understanding of the national landscape of research. Thus, our study focused on understanding the scope of sepsis research in Canada. We surveyed 155 Canadian sepsis researchers, collecting data on their research focus and demographic diversity. We also assessed the amount of investment in Canadian sepsis research. Our findings highlight the need to: a) expand research in sepsis prevention, recovery, and education, b) improve diversity amongst Canadian sepsis researchers, and c) increase funding for sepsis research. Our findings are a call to action for key stakeholders to address these gaps, to ultimately reduce the immense burden of sepsis.