Sepsis Educational Awareness Assessment

The Sepsis Educational Effort Message and Materials Testing Survey

Public reporting burden of this collection of information varies from 15 to 25 minutes with an
estimated average of 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and
reviewing the collection of information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control
Number. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to CDC/ATSDR Information Collection
Review Office, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS D-74, Atlanta, Georgia, 30333; ATTN: PRA (0920-0572).

[Screener]

The results of this survey will help us learn about the public’s response to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) recent campaign to raise awareness about sepsis. You will be
asked to complete all or some of the survey depending on whether you have seen or heard certain
messages from the CDC about sepsis within the past 5 months. The survey should take no longer
than 25 minutes to complete. It is your choice to answer the questions, and you can stop at any
time. As a token of appreciation for completing and submitting the entire survey, you will receive an
email with “points” that you can use to redeem for prizes.
1. May we ask you some questions to see if you are a good match to take this survey?
Yes
No

2. How old are you?
Don't know
Prefer not to answer
Age:

3. Do you work in a health-related profession?
Yes
No
Prefer not to answer

4. Are you a healthcare provider?
Yes
No
Prefer not to answer

5. Do you work as any of the following? (Please select only one)
Emergency department triage nurse

General medical ward staff ( e.g., RN, LPN, LVN, CAN, and/or
Aide)

Nurse practitioner at an urgent care clinic
Home healthcare/nursing home staff
Physician assistant at an urgent care clinic
Prefer not to answer
Primary care physician (e.g., internist, pediatrician, or family
practitioner – not a specialist)
Other (please specify)

[Disqualification Page]

Thank you for answering these questions and being willing to help us today. Those are all of the
questions we have for you. If you would like to know more about the CDC’s Get Ahead of Sepsis
campaign, please visit their website for more information.

[Eligibility Page]

Thank you for answering these questions. We have determined that you are a good match for this
survey. If you have any concerns about your participation and/or any questions about this survey,
please contact the research director, Dr. Kristen Cincotta at (404) 320-4433 or
Kristen.Cincotta@icf.com.

[Media Use and Habits]

First, we want to ask you about your media use and habits.

6. In an average month, how often do you...
Very frequently
(Almost daily to Frequently (2-4 Occasionally (2- Rarely (Once a
daily)
times a week) 4 times a month) month or less)
PRINT MEDIA
See billboards
Read magazines
Read newspapers
Use buses, subways or
trains
Shop in malls
Shop in grocery stores
Shop in pharmacies
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter
YouTube
Other social media
ONLINE/INTERNET
MEDIA
Blogs
Health
websites/resources
Internet radio
News websites
Streaming services (e.g.,
Netflix, Hulu, SlingTV)
Other websites
TRADITIONAL MEDIA
Broadcast radio
Television (cable,
satellite, or antenna)
Satellite radio

Never

Prefer not to
answer

[Exposure to Campaign Name]

Now we would like to ask you about a CDC campaign to raise awareness about sepsis that you may
or may not have seen or heard about in the past 5 months.
7. CDC recently launched a campaign to raise awareness about sepsis. In the past 5 months, which of the
following slogans or messages have you seen or heard? Please select only one.
Be sepsis aware.

Health is precious. Don't get sepsis.

Get ahead of sepsis

Be smart. Beat sepsis.

Know the threat. Prevent sepsis.

[Frequency/Channel of Exposure]

You indicated that you had seen or heard the campaign name,Get Ahead of Sepsis, in the past 5
months.
8. In the past 5 months, how often did you see CDC’sGet Ahead of Sepsis campaign message or slogan in
PRINTED MEDIA (posters, fact sheets, brochures, infographics, newspaper/magazine ads, or fliers)?
Never

Rarely (Once a
month or less)

Occasionally (2-4
times a month)

Frequently (2-4 times
Very frequently
a week)
(almost daily to daily)

I don't know

9. In the past 5 months, how often did you see CDC’sGet Ahead of Sepsis campaign message or slogan in
SOCIAL MEDIA (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, or YouTube)?
Never

Rarely (Once a
month or less)

Occasionally (2-4
times a month)

Frequently (2-4 times
Very frequently
a week)
(Almost daily to daily)

I don't know

10. In the past 5 months, how often did you see CDC’sGet Ahead of Sepsis campaign message or slogan
in ONLINE/INTERNET MEDIA (website advertisements, online news articles, internet radio, blogs, mobile
phone advertisements, Google or Bing search engine results, or videos)?
Never

Rarely (Once a
month or less)

Occasionally (2-4
times a month)

Frequently (2-4 times
Very frequently
a week)
(Almost daily to daily)

I don't know

11. In the past 5 months, how often did you see CDC’sGet Ahead of Sepsis campaign message or slogan
in TRADITIONAL TELEVISION (CABLE, SATELLITE, or ANTENNA) MEDIA (commercials, public service
announcements, newscasts, or videos/commercials shown at a doctor’s office or healthcare facility)?
Never

Rarely (Once a
month or less)

Occasionally (2-4
times a month)

Frequently (2-4 times
Very frequently
a week)
(Almost daily to daily)

I don't know

12. In the past 5 months, how often did you hear CDC’sGet Ahead of Sepsis campaign message or slogan
in BROADCAST RADIO MEDIA (radio announcements, commercials, or news stories)?
Never

Rarely (Once a
month or less)

Occasionally (2-4
times a month)

Frequently (2-4 times
Very frequently
a week)
(Almost daily to daily)

I don't know

13. In the past 5 months, how often did you see CDC’sGet Ahead of Sepsis campaign message or slogan
in OTHER MEDIA (e.g., emails, email newsletters, webcasts or webinars, or live events)?
Never

Rarely (Once a
month or less)

Occasionally (2-4
times a month)

Frequently (2-4 times
Very frequently
a week)
(Almost daily to daily)

I don't know

[Perceived Effectiveness - Ad Receptivity]

14. You said that you saw messages about sepsis in [1. Print Media, 2. Online Media, 3. Television/Radio,
and/or 4. Other Media] in the past 3 months. Thinking about what you saw or heard, please indicate your
level of agreement with the following statements from 1-5, where 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 =
neutral, 4 = agree, and 5 = strongly agree.
Strongly disagree
The [INDICATE MEDIA]
are memorable.
The [INDICATE MEDIA]
were interesting.
The [INDICATE MEDIA]
were believable.
The [INDICATE MEDIA]
were worth
remembering.
The [INDICATE MEDIA]
grabbed my attention.
The [INDICATE MEDIA]
were powerful.
The [INDICATE MEDIA]
were informative.
The [INDICATE MEDIA]
were meaningful.
The [INDICATE MEDIA]
were convincing.

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly agree

[Exposed Respondent Questions - HCPs Only]

You said that you saw or heard messages about sepsis in one or more types of media within the
past 5 months. We would like to know more about your thinking related to sepsis.
Below we present several items. Some of these items are true and some are false. Please indicate
whether you believe each item is true or false.

15. Thinking about the time AFTER you saw or heard CDC’sGet Ahead of Sepsis messages and/or
materials about sepsis, please indicate whether you believe each statement is true or false.
True

False

Don't know

Sepsis is the body’s
extreme response to an
infection.
Only people with chronic
diseases are at risk for
sepsis.
Even if sepsis is
suspected, antibiotic
therapy should not be
started for at least 24
hours in the event the
patient improves.
Patients should be
advised about proper
hygiene and wound care
to prevent infections and
reduce their risk for
sepsis.
Symptoms of sepsis
include confusion or
disorientation, shortness
of breath, high heart
rate, fever, and extreme
pain or discomfort.
Only certain infections
can lead to sepsis.
Patients should be
reassessed within 24-48
hours of starting
antibiotics to stop or
change treatment as
needed.
Sepsis can cause tissue
damage, organ failure,
and death.
Sepsis is a medical
emergency and requires
immediate treatment.

16. Thinking about the time AFTER you saw or heard about theGet Ahead of Sepsis messaging and
campaign materials, please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements:

Strongly disagree
I believe that individuals
older than 65 years,
infants younger than 1
year, and individuals
with chronic conditions
or weakened immune
systems are at higher
risk for developing
sepsis.
I believe certain
infections (e.g., lung,
kidney, skin, gut) put my
patients at higher risk for
developing sepsis.
I think tissue damage
and organ failure are
severe problems that
can result from sepsis.
I think that sepsis is a
severe problem that can
lead to death.
I believe I can educate
my patients on how to
prevent infections that
can lead to sepsis.
I believe that I can
recognize sepsis in my
patients.
I believe that
recognizing signs of
sepsis in patients
reduces risk of death
from sepsis.
I believe that acting fast,
if I suspect sepsis in a
patient, can save lives.
I plan to use the online
CDC campaign
materials/tools.
I plan to counsel my
patients and their
families about infection
prevention.
I plan to counsel my
patients and their
families to recognize the
signs/symptoms of
sepsis.

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly agree

Strongly disagree
I plan to counsel my
patients and their
families about seeking
emergency medical care
if they suspect sepsis.
I plan to take rapid
action to treat sepsis
when suspected in
patients.
I plan to seek more
information from the
CDC website about
infections and sepsis.

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly agree

[Exposed Respondent Questions - HCPs Only]

Now we’d like for you to take a moment and think back to the weeks and monthsbefore you saw or
heard CDC’s Get Ahead of Sepsis messages and/or materials about sepsis. We would like for you to
answer the same questions about your knowledge and awareness from BEFORE you saw the
messages and materials.
Below we again present several items. Some of these items are true and some are false. Please
indicate whether you believe each item is true or false.

17. Thinking about the time BEFORE you saw or heard CDC’sGet Ahead of Sepsis messages and/or
materials about sepsis, please indicate whether you believe each statement is true or false.
True

False

Don't know

Sepsis is the body’s
extreme response to an
infection.
Only people with chronic
diseases are at risk for
sepsis.
Even if sepsis is
suspected, antibiotic
therapy should not be
started for at least 24
hours in the event the
patient improves.
Patients should be
advised about proper
hygiene and wound care
to prevent infections and
reduce their risk for
sepsis.
Symptoms of sepsis
include confusion or
disorientation, shortness
of breath, high heart
rate, fever, and extreme
pain or discomfort.
Only certain infections
can lead to sepsis.
Patients should be
reassessed within 24-48
hours of starting
antibiotics to stop or
change treatment as
needed.
Sepsis can cause tissue
damage, organ failure,
and death.
Sepsis is a medical
emergency and requires
immediate treatment.

18. Thinking about the time BEFORE you saw or heard about the Get Ahead of Sepsis messaging and
campaign materials, please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements:

Strongly disagree
I believe that individuals
older than 65 years,
infants younger than 1
year, and individuals
with chronic conditions
or weakened immune
systems are at higher
risk for developing
sepsis.
I believe certain
infections (e.g., lung,
kidney, skin, gut) put my
patients at higher risk for
developing sepsis.
I think tissue damage
and organ failure are
severe problems that
can result from sepsis.
I think that sepsis is a
severe problem that can
lead to death.
I believe I can educate
my patients on how to
prevent infections that
can lead to sepsis.
I believe that I can
recognize sepsis in my
patients.
I believe that
recognizing signs of
sepsis in patients
reduces risk of death
from sepsis.
I believe that acting fast,
if I suspect sepsis in a
patient, can save lives.
I plan to use the online
CDC campaign
materials/tools.
I plan to counsel my
patients and their
families about infection
prevention.
I plan to counsel my
patients and their
families to recognize the
signs/symptoms of
sepsis.

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly agree

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly agree

I plan to counsel my
patients and their
families about seeking
emergency medical care
if they suspect sepsis.
I plan to take rapid
action to treat sepsis
when suspected in
patients.
I plan to seek more
information from the
CDC website about
infections and sepsis.

19. What would you change (if anything) about the CDC'sGet Ahead of Sepsis materials that you have
seen in the past 5 months?

20. Did seeing the CDC's Get Ahead of Sepsis messaging prompt you to search for more information about
sepsis (e.g., on the CDC website)?
Yes
No
I don't know

21. [CONSUMERS] Did seeing the CDC's Get Ahead of Sepsis messaging prompt you to ask a healthcare
professional for more information about sepsis?
Yes
No
I don't know

[Unexposed Respondent Questions - HCPs Only]

You said that you had not seen or heard messages about sepsis in the media within the past 5
months. With that in mind, please answer the following questions.
Below we present several items. Some of these items are true and some are false. Please indicate
whether you believe each item is true or false.

22. Thinking about your CURRENT knowledge and awareness of sepsis, please indicate whether you
believe each statement is true or false.
True

False

Don't know

Sepsis is the body’s
extreme response to an
infection.
Only people with chronic
diseases are at risk for
sepsis.
Even if sepsis is
suspected, antibiotic
therapy should not be
started for at least 24
hours in the event the
patient improves.
Patients should be
advised about proper
hygiene and wound care
to prevent infections and
reduce their risk for
sepsis.
Symptoms of sepsis
include confusion or
disorientation, shortness
of breath, high heart
rate, fever, and extreme
pain or discomfort.
Only certain infections
can lead to sepsis.
Patients should be
reassessed within 24-48
hours of starting
antibiotics to stop or
change treatment as
needed.
Sepsis can cause tissue
damage, organ failure,
and death.
Sepsis is a medical
emergency and requires
immediate treatment.

23. Thinking about your CURRENT knowledge and awareness of sepsis, please indicate your level of
agreement with the following statements:

Strongly disagree
I believe that individuals
older than 65 years,
infants younger than 1
year, and individuals
with chronic conditions
or weakened immune
systems are at higher
risk for developing
sepsis.
I believe certain
infections (e.g., lung,
kidney, skin, gut) put my
patients at higher risk for
developing sepsis.
I think tissue damage
and organ failure are
severe problems that
can result from sepsis.
I think that sepsis is a
severe problem that can
lead to death.
I believe I can educate
my patients on how to
prevent infections that
can lead to sepsis.
I believe that I can
recognize sepsis in my
patients.
I believe that
recognizing signs of
sepsis in patients
reduces risk of death
from sepsis.
I believe that acting fast,
if I suspect sepsis in a
patient, can save lives.
I plan to use the online
CDC campaign
materials/tools.
I plan to counsel my
patients and their
families about infection
prevention.
I plan to counsel my
patients and their
families to recognize the
signs/symptoms of
sepsis.

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly agree

Strongly disagree
I plan to counsel my
patients and their
families about seeking
emergency medical care
if they suspect sepsis.
I plan to take rapid
action to treat sepsis
when suspected in
patients.
I plan to seek more
information from the
CDC website about
infections and sepsis.

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly agree

[Unexposed Respondent Questions - HCPs Only]

Now we’d like for you to take a moment and think back 5 months ago. We would like for you to
answer the same questions about your knowledge and awareness from 5 months ago.
Below we again present several items. Some of these items are true and some are false. Please
indicate whether you believe each item is true or false.

24. Thinking about your knowledge and awareness of sepsis 5 MONTHS AGO, please indicate whether
you believe each statement is true or false.
True

False

Don't know

Sepsis is the body’s
extreme response to an
infection.
Only people with chronic
diseases are at risk for
sepsis.
Even if sepsis is
suspected, antibiotic
therapy should not be
started for at least 24
hours in the event the
patient improves.
Patients should be
advised about proper
hygiene and wound care
to prevent infections and
reduce their risk for
sepsis.
Symptoms of sepsis
include confusion or
disorientation, shortness
of breath, high heart
rate, fever, and extreme
pain or discomfort.
Only certain infections
can lead to sepsis.
Patients should be
reassessed within 24-48
hours of starting
antibiotics to stop or
change treatment as
needed.
Sepsis can cause tissue
damage, organ failure,
and death.
Sepsis is a medical
emergency and requires
immediate treatment.

25. Thinking about your knowledge and awareness of sepsis 5 MONTHS AGO, please indicate your level
of agreement with the following statements:

Strongly disagree
I believe that individuals
older than 65 years,
infants younger than 1
year, and individuals
with chronic conditions
or weakened immune
systems are at higher
risk for developing
sepsis.
I believe certain
infections (e.g., lung,
kidney, skin, gut) put my
patients at higher risk for
developing sepsis.
I think tissue damage
and organ failure are
severe problems that
can result from sepsis.
I think that sepsis is a
severe problem that can
lead to death.
I believe I can educate
my patients on how to
prevent infections that
can lead to sepsis.
I believe that I can
recognize sepsis in my
patients.
I believe that
recognizing signs of
sepsis in patients
reduces risk of death
from sepsis.
I believe that acting fast,
if I suspect sepsis in a
patient, can save lives.
I plan to use the online
CDC campaign
materials/tools.
I plan to counsel my
patients and their
families about infection
prevention.
I plan to counsel my
patients and their
families to recognize the
signs/symptoms of
sepsis.

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly agree

Strongly disagree

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly agree

I plan to counsel my
patients and their
families about seeking
emergency medical care
if they suspect sepsis.
I plan to take rapid
action to treat sepsis
when suspected in
patients.
I plan to seek more
information from the
CDC website about
infections and sepsis.

26. Where could we place the CDC campaign materials about sepsis, so that you may be more likely to
see or hear about them?

27. Where else, other than the CDC website, would you seek information about infections and/or sepsis?

[Perceived Effectiveness, Key Messages - HCPs Only]

You said that you saw or heard CDC’sGet Ahead of Sepsis messaging in the last 5 months.
Thinking about the campaign’s key messages, please indicate how effective you think the following
messages are.
28. On a scale of 1-5, how effective is the following campaign message in relation to each of the items
below?
You can protect your patients by recognizing and treating sepsis quickly.
Not effective

Slightly effective

Moderately
effective

Very effective

Extremely
effective

Prefer not to
answer

Improving knowledge
about how to treat
sepsis.
Improving knowledge
about how to recognize
the signs and symptoms
of sepsis.
Improving a healthcare
professional’s belief in
their ability to take action
if sepsis is suspected.

29. On a scale of 1-5, how effective is the following campaign message in relation to each of the items
below?
Infections put your patients at risk for sepsis. Be alert to the signs and, when suspected, act fast.
Not effective
Improving knowledge
about how to treat
sepsis.
Improving a healthcare
professional’s belief in
their ability to act fast if
sepsis is suspected.
Making healthcare
professionals more
aware of the seriousness
and/or risks posed by
infections.
Improving knowledge
about the need to be
alert to the signs of
sepsis.

Slightly effective

Moderately
effective

Very effective

Extremely
effective

Prefer not to
answer

Demographic Questions

30. In what zip code do you currently live?
Don't know
Prefer not to answer
Zip code:

31. What is the highest grade of school you have completed, or the highest degree you have received?
No schooling completed, or less than 1 year

Associate degree

Grade school completed (grades 1-8)

Bachelor’s degree

High school attended (grades 9-12, no degree)

Master’s degree

High school graduate (or equivalent)

Professional degree (MD, JD, etc.)

Some college (1-4 years, no degree)

Doctorate degree

32. What was your total household income before taxes during the past 12 months? (Please select only
one)
Less than $25,000

$75,000 to $99,999

$25,000 to $34,999

$100,000 to $149,999

$35,000 to $49,999

$150,000 or more

$50,000 to $74,999

I prefer not to say

[Closing - HCPs Only]

Thank you for completing this survey! Your answers to this survey will be kept private. As our
thanks for your time taking this survey, you will receive “points” to redeem for prizes.
REMEMBER:
- Sepsis is a medical emergency.
- Everyone is at risk of developing sepsis and any infection can lead to sepsis.
- If sepsis is suspected, antibiotics should be started immediately and reassessed within 24-48
hours.
- Preventing infections can help protect patients from developing sepsis.
For more information about sepsis and the CDC’s Get Ahead of Sepsis campaign, visit their
website.