Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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This study aimed to evaluate cross-cultural adaptation, validation, and reliability of Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) for its Turkish use. ⋯ The Turkish version of POSAS is a valid, reliable and culturally appropriate survey for evaluating hypertrophic scars. We believe that the Turkish version of POSAS will be an important clinical/scientific tool in the field of burn physiotherapy in Turkey, which will lead to new researches in this field.
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Skin grafts following deep burns are needed to ensure healing. Grafts that fail and require re-grafting cause significant distress to patients and additional costs for the NHS. Shearing, which leads to graft loss, may be reduced through the use of low-friction bedding. A feasibility study was conducted to assess proof of concept for the use of low-friction bedding for patients with burns. Patient, parent and staff views on the acceptability of this material were explored through semi-structured interviews. ⋯ The use of low-friction bedding is acceptable to patients undergoing a skin graft following a burn injury; however, problems related to sliding down the bed and soiling of sheets need addressing. Staff were supportive of the concept of low-friction bedding; however, they reported significant challenges in day-to-day use of sheets. Low-friction bedding presents a promising alternative to standard cotton sheets for patients with burns and those at risk of pressure sores; however, further work is needed to address current challenges in use.
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There are an estimated 2.75 million electronic cigarette (EC) users in the United States. ECs have become the most commonly used nicotine-containing product in young adults ages 18-24 years. Thermal, blast, and missile injuries from EC explosions has grown rapidly in recent years. Burn surgeons must remain up to date regarding management and treatment of burn injuries related to EC device ignition. ⋯ Thermal and blast injuries associated with EC device failure tend to cause small TBSA burns that are deep 2nd and 3rd degree wounds. The most common location for EC device storage among males was the front pants pocket. EC device users should be made aware of the dangers associated with EC use and advised to carry EC devices away from their body in dedicated carrying cases without loose metallic items.
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Patients with extensive burn injuries are susceptible to a host of accompanying adverse effects should they develop perioperative hypothermia, which occurs in up to ¼ of all major burn cases. This quality improvement project aimed to reduce the incidence of perioperative hypothermia to below 10% of cases in patients with major burn (Total Body Surface Area [TBSA] >15%), within a one year period. ⋯ The inevitable drop in temperature is ameliorated by sound perioperative practices, rather than just intraoperative ones. This initiative demonstrated the potential benefits of, and motivates for, the broad application of preoperative warming in the context of major acute burn surgery. Further investigations include PDSA cycles to determine whether the duration or degree of intraoperative hypothermia is more virulent. To consolidate the pre-warming initiative, we have introduced a standard order within our admission order sets to include preoperative warming for all eligible patients.
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Burn injuries are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. In early childhood, burns have a wide range of adverse long-term consequences ranging from functional impairment to psychological implications. Children from low-income and middle-income countries are at a higher risk of suffering from burn injuries. In the last 10 years the population of asylum seekers from low-income countries in Israel has increased dramatically. About 25,000 or 60% of asylum seekers are living in the Tel Aviv area, making up roughly 6% of the city's total population (about 405,000). ⋯ There was no significant difference regarding: age; male-female ratio; scald-types burns; limb involvement. However, hospitalization and length of hospital stay were significantly higher among asylum seekers, as was family burden. Questions may be raised regarding prevention, education & social support. Our research provides a small glimpse into the world of asylum seekers in Israel. We hope it will serve as a window into the much grander problems that this population faces on a daily basis.