This article presents a review of deaths from sepsis in adults across the United States, identifying a cluster of states with higher mortality. They noted that mortality did not vary according to age and sex but was higher amongst African Americans and potentially correlates with higher obesity rates in the area with higher mortality from sepsis.

The key benefit of this paper from a patient safety viewpoint is to suggest variation in the quality of care provided and potential variation in the execution of sepsis care protocols and thus act as a driver and case for change.