Using probabilistic linkage of multiple databases to describe burn injuries in Utah

More than 1 million burn injuries occur in the United States each year and as many as half of these injuries require medical treatment. Most data used to describe burns are from national databases derived from random or purposive samples of injuries. Few studies describe burn rates within a state. Comprehensive descriptions of burns are warranted so as to develop and monitor tailored prevention programs and to educate health care providers. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe all burns requiring acute medical care in Utah to define burn prevention and care issues within the state. Probabilistic linkage of five databases was performed. Probabilistic linkage identified all burn injuries occurring in Utah during a 5-year period that were treated by EMS, admitted to an emergency department or hospital/burn center, or resulted in death. During the 5-year study period, 24,934 burns were identified. More men than women were injured (61% compared with 39%, respectively). One third of burns occurred to individuals aged younger than 18 years and 3% occurred to the elderly (>65 years). The majority of injuries were treated in the emergency department. Scald burns were the most common etiology. The mortality rate was 0.4%. The results of this study and future studies using this methodology may be used to identify populations at increased risk for burns and to target burn prevention and outreach medical education more appropriately.