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The cost of a hot drink scald

H R Griffiths1, K L Thornton, C M Clements

  • 1South West Regional Burns and Plastic Surgery Service, Department of Anaesthesia, Frenchay Hospital, Frenchay, Bristol BS16 1LE, UK. GriffithsHR@hotmail.com

Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
|March 11, 2006
PubMed

Insights

The average cost for treating minor paediatric scalds in the UK is approximately £1850 per child. This study highlights the significant financial burden of paediatric burns, informing resource allocation and prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Paediatric surgery
  • Health economics
  • Burn management

Background:

  • Approximately 6400 children annually require hospital treatment for burns in the UK.
  • Minor paediatric scalds represent a significant, yet often underestimated, healthcare cost.
  • Understanding the financial implications is crucial for effective resource management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the financial costs associated with managing uncomplicated, minor paediatric scalds.
  • To quantify the expenses related to consumables, services, and overall patient care.
  • To provide data supporting the cost-effectiveness of burn prevention initiatives.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of three paediatric cases with 2-4% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) scalds.
  • Detailed quantification of consumables and services utilized during treatment.
  • Cost data obtained from hospital Purchasing Departments and Directorate Accountants.
  • Extrapolation of costs based on a caseload of 144 children treated for minor burns (<10% TBSA) over one year.

Main Results:

  • The mean average cost per case for minor paediatric scalds was calculated to be £1850.
  • An estimated annual cost of £266,400 for treating minor burns and scalds (<10% TBSA) at a single UK hospital (Frenchay Hospital, Bristol).
  • Management typically involved general anaesthesia, wound cleaning, BioBrane application, dressings, and inpatient observation.

Conclusions:

  • The management of minor paediatric scalds incurs substantial financial costs.
  • Findings can aid in future resource allocation planning within paediatric burn care.
  • Evidence generated may support the economic justification for investing in burn prevention strategies.

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