Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Scarring is a significant consequence for patients following a burn. Understanding how patients perceive the physiological scar and define scar severity may provide valuable information regarding how the scar influences quality of life after burn. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale was the first scar assessment tool validated to include the patients' evaluation of the scars physical qualities, following a burn. Validation studies of this tool have previously been conducted for a discrete scar-site after burn. The aim of this study was to assess the structural validity of the POSAS to capture the patients' evaluation of the total area of burn scar(s). ⋯ When assessing the entire burn scar, three independent dimensions influence patient perception: (1) the physical scar, (2) pain and (3) itch. Within the physical domain, color formed a visual subdomain separate to a tactile subdomain. Further development of these domains within a high-order multi-dimensional structure is recommended.
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To describe the injuries due to fireworks use in Colombia during the period 2008-2013 and to identify factors associated with hospitalization and death due to this cause. ⋯ These results provided information for revising the public policies and intersectorial interventions to reduce the avoidable burden due to firework injuries at all times and not just during the high injury occurrence season.
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Comparative Study
Biobrane versus topical agents in the treatment of adult scald burns.
Limited data is available for treatment of scald lesions in adults. The use of the biosynthetic matrix Biobrane(®) has been suggested as treatment option with more benefits over topical dressings. Application of Biobrane(®) in scalds in our center led to a perceived increase of infection, secondary deepening, surgery and length of stay. We therefore assessed the effect of different treatment options in adult scalds in our center. ⋯ Level 3 - retrospective cohort study.
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Sex trafficking of women and girls is amongst the most prevalent and profitable types of human trafficking. Evidence suggests that sex trafficking is especially high in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh where diverse types of burning are also prevalent especially among young females. The aim of the present short communication is to emphasize that among many health issues affecting trafficked women in such countries, burns may also be prevalent among these victims.
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Accurate pain assessment is essential for proper analgesia during medical procedures in pediatric patients. The Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scale has previously been shown to be a valid and reliable tool for assessing pediatric procedural pain in research labs. However, no study has investigated how rater factors (gender, number of dressing changes performed/week, burn history, having children, nursing experience, stress at home/work) and patient factors (pain intensity) affect the accuracy of FLACC ratings for procedural pain when implemented by bedside care providers. ⋯ The present study is the first study in the literature to systematically examine the factors influencing the accuracy of FLACC rating for pediatric procedural pain among bedside care providers. The findings suggest that nurse clinical experience and patient pain intensity are two significant contributors to rating accuracy.