Outcome of care in two burn units in Alexandria

The outcome of care in a special care burn unit and a traditional burn ward in the Main University Hospital in Alexandria was assessed in terms of length of hospital stay, psychoneurotic status, and satisfaction of patients. The study population comprised 38 consecutive admissions to the traditional ward and 37 consecutive admissions to the special care unit. Results indicated that the outcome of care was more favourable for patients treated in the special care unit. The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter for the special care unit group. Based on the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire, the levels of anxiety, phobia, psychosomatic complaints, depression and hysteria were significantly higher for the traditional ward group. The level of overall satisfaction, as well as the levels of satisfaction with physical conditions, staff responsiveness, and visiting regulations, were significantly higher for the special care unit group.