Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Tracheostomy is a strategy often employed in patients requiring prolonged intubation in ICU settings. Evidence suggests that earlier tracheostomy and early active exercise are associated with better patient centered outcomes. Severe burn patients often require prolonged ventilatory support due to their critical condition, complex sedation management and multiple operating room visits. It is still unclear the optimal timing for tracheostomy in this population. ⋯ Early tracheostomy in patients with severe burns is associated with earlier active exercise, fewer days of ventilation, shorter length of hospital stay and better physical functional independence upon discharge from hospital.
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This retrospective study compared the effectiveness of dispersed implantation of very small autologous columnar skin (SCS) grafts and full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) for treating upper eyelid third-degree burns. ⋯ Unlike classical skin grafts, SCS implantation surgery can restore the appearance of the upper eyelid, and there is no obvious scar at the donor site. This can be a viable alternative to traditional FTSGs with potential benefits.
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This study aimed to evaluate the impact of interprofessional in situ simulations on the technical and non-technical skills of pediatric burn teams in acute burn management. ⋯ The interprofessional in situ simulations did not improve the burn teams' acute burn management; however, according to a self-report, burn team members were satisfied with the interprofessional in situ simulation experiences and achieved their own gains.
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To explore the effects of self-efficacy and social support on posttraumatic growth among burn patients. ⋯ Self-efficacy was an important mediator for burn patients' social support and posttraumatic growth. Therefore, self-efficacy and social support should be considered when designing and implementing of interventions for posttraumatic growth among burn patients.
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Optimal burn care includes fluid resuscitation and early excision and grafting. During the COVID-19 pandemic, resource-constrained environments were susceptible to interruptions in burn care. We sought to characterize pre- and intra-pandemic burn-associated outcomes at a busy tertiary hospital in Malawi. ⋯ During the pandemic, the probability of undergoing burn excision or grafting was significantly lower for patients, independent of the severity. Consequently, the adjusted risk of mortality was higher. To improve patient outcomes, efforts to preserve operative capacity for burn patients during periods of severe resource constraint are imperative.