The UK Consensus Statement for the Use of Enzymatic Debridement in Burn Care

Background: Over the past ten years, enzymatic debridement has been used more often to treat burn injuries in the UK and Europe. Even though it is increasingly adopted, there are still major differences in how it is practiced. These differences are mainly due to varying levels of professional experience, differences in the interpretation of available evidence, and concerns about safety and effectiveness. Methods: To help resolve these issues and create more consistent care, the UK National Consensus Working Group was formed. This group brought together burn care experts from different backgrounds to review current methods, published research, and consensus guidelines. They used a structured approach that included educational webinars, a thorough review of the literature, and a national survey using the Delphi method to gather expert opinions and real-world experiences. Results: As a result of this process, the UK Consensus Statement for the Use of Enzymatic Debridement in Burn Care was created and officially approved after extensive consultation at national meetings. The main recommendations focus on safely and effectively including enzymatic debridement in burn care, the need for clear procedures, and identifying areas where further research is needed, such as patient outcomes and dressing methods. Conclusions: The goal of this consensus statement is to unify practices, guide future research, and support ongoing improvements in burn care throughout the UK.