Audit of intensive care burn patients: 1982-92

This study attempts to measure and quantify changes in workload and outcome in clinically ill burn patients admitted to the intensive care unit at this institution over the 11-year period 1982-92. The case notes were studied for all patients admitted to the intensive care unit, 163 cases in total, but information was incomplete in 14. Mortality over the period is compared, using Chi squared analysis with Yates correction, with mortality probability from Bull's chart relating age and body surface area of burn (1971). The trends show increasing admission rates and referral rates to ICU from other hospitals in the region, despite declining admission rates to the regional burn unit as a whole. The duration of stay for admitted patients also shows an increase, the combination of these factors suggesting an increasing workload. There has been no change in outcome over the period. The figures provide a baseline for comparison of outcome in critically ill burn patients and are an important means by which to measure future change.