Merits and challenges in the development of a dedicated burn service at a regional hospital in South Africa. Issue 3 (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allorto, Nikki L.; Clarke, Damian L.
• Is Part Of: Burns. Volume 41:Issue 3(2015)
• Page Start: 454
• Page End: 461
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Burns and scalds -- Periodicals; 617.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2014.07.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4179

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="author" id="abs0005"> <title id="sect0005">Abstract</title> <sec> <title id="sect0010">Introduction</title> <p id="spar0005">The Edendale Hospital Burn Service was initiated in 2011 to improve the quality of burn care at a regional hospital. This audit reviews the merits and challenges in developing such a service and identifies areas on which to focus quality improvement initiatives.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sect0015">Methodology</title> <p id="spar0010">The burn admission records were retrospectively interrogated for the years 2012–2013.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sect0020">Results</title> <p id="spar0015">This audit covers an 18-month period in which 490 patients were admitted. Admitted days per percentage burn were 2.6 days per percentage total body surface area burnt. The mortality rate was 13%. Fourteen percent of patients met the criteria for referral to the provincial burn centre but for a variety of logistical reasons only 3% were transferred.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sect0025">Conclusion</title> <p id="spar0020">We have redesigned the process of care without alteration of resources. Outcomes of burns less than 30% total body surface area are not acceptable which we believe reflects the lack of infrastructure and systems development. This audit has revealed a number of areas, which are suitable for dedicated quality improvement initiatives.</p> </sec> </abstract>