Investigating device-related "burns"

Skin injuries sustained--or suspected of having been sustained--by patients in the operating room or special care areas of the hospital have many potential causes. Such injuries are often initially mistaken for thermal or electrical burns, with medical devices immediately blamed as the cause. However, such a hasty conclusion can overlook the actual cause of the injury and delay the implementation of measures to prevent future occurrences. In this article, we describe a thorough investigation process to help healthcare facilities uncover the real cause of an accidental skin injury. Included is a detailed questionnaire to facilitate the investigation. We also present a list of potential causes of accidental skin injuries; these causes must be considered in a thorough investigation.