Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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National guidance in the UK advises that psychosocial screening is completed for all inpatients admitted to burns services for over 24 h. Acceptable methods of psychosocial screening have been nationally agreed. However, little is known about how different services conduct psychosocial screening. ⋯ Results highlight the value and cost-effectiveness of a tiered approach to psychosocial screening and in guiding subsequent intervention. Future study is needed in relation to inpatient psychosocial screening and its validity and reliability. Investigating the predictive value of screening methods in identifying those with longer-term psychological difficulties would also be important clinically.
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Child abuse and neglect in paediatric burns: The majority is caused by neglect and thus preventable.
It is complex to distinguish negligent burns from inflicted and non-intentional burns, especially since no deliberate action caused the burn. Its recognition is important to create a safe life without (future) burns for our loved-ones who cannot take care of themselves (yet). Our aim was to investigate the incidence and associated characteristics of negligent burns are among children treated at a burn center. ⋯ This study shows that neglect is a major factor in the occurrence of burns in young children, therefore we conclude that the majority of paediatric burns are preventable. Educational programs creating awareness and focussing on prevention of these burns should be aimed at households, since the majority of negligent as cause of preventable burns occur at home.
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Burn outcome data in infants is lacking from sub-Saharan Africa. We, therefore, sought to assess the characteristics and predictors of in-hospital burn mortality in a resource-limited setting. ⋯ We show that factors that increase infant burn mortality risk include percent total body surface area burn, flame burn mechanism, and lack of operative intervention. Increasing burn operative capability, particularly for infants and other children, is imperative.
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Burns represent a large portion of injuries attending emergency departments each year, with children accounting for the biggest proportion. Appropriate first aid has been shown to help improve the outcome of burns, and decrease the need for surgical intervention. Several studies outside of Ireland demonstrate inadequate parental knowledge of burns first aid, but few evaluated interventions to improve knowledge. Consequently our aim was to assess parental/caregiver knowledge in Ireland, and determine if knowledge levels could be raised following a short educational video intervention. ⋯ The study found poor parental knowledge of burns first aid in Ireland and shows the use of an educational video was effective in raising knowledge levels.
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Risk factors and mechanisms of injury may change over time. Since knowledge on aetiology of severe burn incidents in children under 5 years of age in the Netherlands is outdated, this study aimed to identify current risk factors and mechanisms of severe burn injury in children under 5 years of age in the Netherlands to direct future prevention campaigns. ⋯ Outcomes of this prospective cohort study provide up-to-date and extensive knowledge on the aetiology of severe burn incidents in children under 5 years of age in the Netherlands, and provide directions for prevention policy and campaigns.