Minor burn management: an Australian regional perspective

Minor burns are commonly treated in hospital emergency departments. This study aimed to identify the nursing management of minor burns in hospitals in the Queensland region of Australia. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed to hospitals with emergency departments in this region. The semi-structured questionnaire enquired about the respondents' initial and ongoing management of minor burns. Fifty completed questionnaires were returned, a response rate of 25%. Most respondents (80%) were registered nurses and the rest enrolled nurses. The respondents' practice was compared with that recommended in the literature. Their practice reflected the variations found in the literature, suggesting that some may not be as effective or efficient as others. The authors conclude that further research is required on the efficacy of products used in minor burn management.