Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026
A Swine Burn Model for Investigating the Healing Process in Multiple Depth Burn Wounds
Published on: February 23, 2024
Evaluation of a pediatric scald burn clinical pathway
Kim O Taylor1, Christine M Goudie, Michael J Muller
1National Burns Centre-New Zealand, Middlemore Hospital, and South Auckland Health, Auckland, New Zealand.
Insights
Implementing a clinical pathway for pediatric scald burns significantly improved management consistency. This pathway enhanced acute phase care for young burn patients, leading to more standardized treatment protocols.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Burn Management
- Clinical Pathway Implementation
- Quality Improvement in Healthcare
Background:
- Scald burns constitute over 75% of pediatric admissions to burn units.
- Inconsistent management of acute pediatric burn injuries necessitates standardized protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a newly implemented pediatric scald burn clinical pathway.
- To assess improvements in the consistency of acute phase burn management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric scald burn patients admitted over three periods: pre-pathway, 0-6 months post-pathway, and 12-18 months post-pathway.
- Data collection included demographics, burn size, and adherence to key management guidelines (e.g., feeding, analgesia, referrals).
Main Results:
- Patient demographics and burn sizes were comparable across the three study groups.
- Graphical analysis demonstrated improved compliance with treatment guidelines post-pathway implementation.
Conclusions:
- The clinical pathway has led to more consistent management of pediatric scald burns in the acute phase.
- Standardized care protocols positively impact the treatment of pediatric burn patients.
Abstract:
Scald burns make up more than 75% of the pediatric burns patients who are admitted to our burns unit. A pediatric scald burn pathway was implemented at our center in November 1999, the aim of which was to improve consistency in the management of the acute phase of injury. This study assessed the effectiveness of the first 18 months of this scald burn pathway. Aspects of the management of pediatric scald burn patients were reviewed. This included all the patients admitted over a 6-month period 1 year before the implementation of the pathway and the first 6 months and between 12 and 18 months after the implementation of the pathway. Data collected included patient demographics, total body surface area burned, and key management guidelines, including nasogastric feeding, intravenous cannulation, analgesia prescription, multidisciplinary referrals, and family education Thirty-seven patients were enrolled in the first 6 months of the pathway's use. Between 12 and 18 months, a further 38 patients were enrolled. The patients within the three groups were similar in age and burn size. A comparison among the groups with respect to compliance with the treatment guidelines is presented graphically. In conclusion, the management of pediatric scald burns in the acute phase is more consistent since the implementation of the clinical pathway.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
01:15Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...
01:18The Scientific Method in Nursing Process
When using research findings to change practice, one must understand the process used to guide a study. The scientific method is a systematic, step-by-step process that supports the data's validity, reliability, and generalizability. As a result, findings can be safely...
01:22Methods of reducing fever
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
01:19Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury. The nails must be short and clean, without nail paint...