Sepsis Model Predictions: How Useful Are They Really in the Clinic
Sepsis Model Predictions: How Useful Are They Really in the Clinic On February 26, 2024, researchers at the University of Michigan shed light on the limitations of the Epic Sepsis Model (ESM) in accurately predicting sepsis risk. Their study, featured in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) AI this month, underscores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for enhancing sepsis treatment and outcomes. Health systems across the U.S. have widely adopted the ESM, integrated within Epic's electronic health record (EHR) system. However, recent assessments have raised doubts about its accuracy and clinical usefulness. For instance, a 2021 study in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed a lower-than-expected identification rate of patients at risk of sepsis, contrasting with the tool's official information. While the ESM outperformed other sepsis assessment tools in some aspects, its effectiveness in guiding timely clinical decisions remains uncertain. Clinicians often rec...