Adherence to Referral Criteria for Burns in the Emergency Department
Author Information
Author(s): Elizabeth Chipp, Jules Walton, David Gorman, Naiem S Moiemen
Primary Institution: West Midlands Regional Burns Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation NHS Trust
Hypothesis
How closely do emergency departments follow national referral guidelines for burn injuries?
Conclusion
Only one quarter of patients were managed according to national referral criteria for burns, indicating a need for increased awareness and education.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 25% of patients were managed according to the national referral criteria.
- 67% of patients met at least one criterion for referral to the burns unit.
- 35% of patients who met referral criteria were actually referred.
Takeaway
This study found that many patients with burns are not being referred to specialists when they should be, which could lead to worse outcomes.
Methodology
A retrospective case note audit of patients attending an emergency department with a diagnosis of 'burn' over a one-year period.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on case notes which may lack complete information.
Limitations
Insufficient information in case notes for some patients made it difficult to determine appropriate management.
Participant Demographics
Patients presenting to a single emergency department with burn injuries.
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