Clinical Gestalt to Predict Bacterial Infection and Mortality in Emergency Department Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Time to treatment is a significant predictor of mortality in emergency department (ED) patients with bacterial sepsis. Strategies for the early detection of bacterial infection and sepsis are lacking. Clinical gestalt is a tool for assessing and synthesizing the entire clinical picture, focusing on the first clinical impression at presentation.

Objective

This study aimed to assess ED physicians' clinical gestalt for the prediction of bacterial infection and mortality in ED patients presenting with signs and symptoms of infection.

Design

Prospective, observational study with a 30-day follow-up.

Participants

Patients aged 18 or older presenting to the ED with signs and symptoms compatible with an infection and abnormal vital signs were included.

Mai

SUBMITTER: Espejo T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12855699 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature