Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2025

A Standardized Procedure of Dressing Management for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Published on: March 14, 2025
SUNBURN: a protocol for delivering bad news in trauma and acute care surgery
David Velez1, Andrea Geberding1, Mentor Ahmeti1
1Department of Surgery, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA.
Introduction:
The delivery of bad news can be one of the most challenging tasks in surgery. There are numerous barriers specific to trauma and acute care surgery (TRACS) that make these conversations more difficult. Prior protocols have all been designed for oncology and primary care with poorer application to TRACS. The lack of guidance for leading these conversations in TRACS led us to develop the SUNBURN protocol. It draws elements from prior protocols and discards the irrelevant aspects and pays particular attention to the TRACS-specific concerns.
Sunburn Protocol:
Step 1: S-Set Up; Step 2: U-Understand Perceptions; Step 3: N-Notify ('Warning Shot'); Step 4: B-Brief Narrative and Break Bad News; Step 5: U-Understand Emotions; Step 6: R-Respond; Step 7: N-Next Steps.
Conclusion:
This protocol can provide a framework to help guide and ease the delivery of bad news in TRACS.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Burn 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...
SBAR II: Application of SBAR
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...
Decreased Body Temperature
Methods of reducing fever
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management

