Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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The aim of this study was to approximate the direct health care costs of fire-related injuries in inpatient care in Finland. Using the PERFECT costing method, cost data from both Finnish burn centres were linked to the fire-related injury patient data from the Finnish National Hospital Discharge Register (FHDR, 2001-2009). Additionally, a sample of 168 patients from the Helsinki Burn Centre was linked to the FHDR to examine the relation of %TBSA. ⋯ Approximately 7-8% of the most expensive cases constitute 50% of the total costs. Successful prevention of extreme cases would yield considerable savings in relation to total annual inpatient care costs. However, a cost-benefit analysis would be needed.
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This pilot study aimed to gain empirical data on the social and economic impacts of child burns on children and parents, in the context of the outpatient setting. ⋯ Parents were shown to perceive a greater impact from their child's burn injury than their child. Certain groups of parents were identified as requiring additional support following the burn injury.
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Case Reports
A new flap design for release of parallel contracture bands: Dual opposing five-flap z-plasty.
Skin contractures secondary to burn and other types of trauma can be encountered on almost every part of human body, best addressed by a custom treatment protocol tailored for each patient. Skin graft, local flap as well as distant flap options are available, each with intrinsic advantages and disadvantages. In the presence of weblike contracture the utilization of local tissue, when available, is a prefered approach for a relatively better appearance through a reasonably simpler surgical intervention, compared to skin graft applications and distant flap options. Among many other techniques and modalities utilized for this purpose, the dual opposing five-flap z-plasty method which is a novel method designed as a modification of the paired five-flap z-plasty technique promises to be a useful treatment option for the release of parallel contracture bands with satisfactory results in selected patients.
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Acid violence is the deliberate use of acid to attack another human being. Such attacks leave a terrible human, medical and surgical legacy. This study, from one of the largest cohorts of acid attack victims to date, provides insights into Cambodia's unique demographics of such attacks, as well as the human cost and necessary surgical interventions. ⋯ Acid violence in Cambodia has a complex demographic which is different to many other developing countries and requires more investigation. Tougher legislation is required to reduce the incidence of these horrific crimes.
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Patients vary in their feelings about looking at their injuries and burn care staff play an important role in helping patients. This study explored confidence among burn care staff in helping patients to look at their injuries and how often help was typically offered. Burn care professionals (n=33) completed a questionnaire exploring confidence and practice in this area. ⋯ Only 21% (n=7) regularly (most or all of the time) informed patients where mirrors were situated within the ward area. Eighteen percent (n=6) of staff reported never or only occasionally asking patients if they had seen their injuries, 27% (n=9) of staff never or only occasionally asked patients if they would like to see their injuries and 30% (n=10) of staff never or only occasionally asked patients if they wanted any help looking at their injuries. Training in this area may be useful to enhance staff confidence so patients can be offered appropriate support.