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Assessment of Small Paediatric Burns: A Coin-Based System
J J Wilson1, L Awad1, K Allison1
1James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK.
Annals of Burns and Fire Disasters
|April 29, 2024
Summary
A novel coin-based system significantly improves the accuracy of assessing paediatric burn size compared to traditional total body surface area (TBSA) estimation. This method enhances confidence and communication among healthcare professionals managing paediatric burns.
Area of Science:
- Paediatric Medicine
- Burn Management
- Medical Education
Background:
- Accurate paediatric burn size assessment is crucial for medical records, clinical management, and identifying non-accidental injuries.
- Existing methods for estimating paediatric burn size, particularly small burns (<1% total body surface area [TBSA]), show variable accuracy.
- Healthcare professionals often lack confidence in estimating paediatric burn size, frequently referring to paediatric burns charts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy and usability of a novel coin-based system for assessing paediatric burn size.
- To compare the accuracy of the coin-based system with traditional TBSA estimation methods.
- To assess healthcare professionals' confidence and communication ease when using the coin-based system.
Main Methods:
- A review of paediatric burns informed the development of a coin-based system using UK sterling coins to describe burn size.
- Thirty nurses and medical staff assessed paediatric burn scenarios using both TBSA and the coin-based system.
- Participant confidence, ease of estimation, accuracy, and inter-professional communication were evaluated via questionnaires and quantifiable burn size assessments.
Main Results:
- The coin-based system achieved 67% accuracy in burn size assessment, compared to 45% for TBSA.
- A significant majority found the coin-based system easier (97%) and more accurate (93%) for estimating burn size.
- 87% of participants reported improved communication between colleagues using the coin-based system.
Conclusions:
- The coin-based system offers a more accurate and user-friendly method for assessing small paediatric burns compared to TBSA.
- This approach enhances healthcare professionals' confidence and facilitates clearer, more accurate communication in paediatric burn management.
- The coin-based system represents a practical tool for improving the assessment and documentation of paediatric burn injuries.
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