Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Hand burns are unique in their functional, aesthetic and emotional impact on patients. Measuring the progress of a patient's ability to carry out essential and desired tasks, their emotional state, interaction with society as well as scar, pain and itch as their burn heals, has until now relied on the use of a combination of several different tools. We have developed a questionnaire specifically to address the multiple different aspects of the impact of a hand burn on a patient. ⋯ The total BHOT and DASH questionnaires completed at each time point was as follows: 86 before; 52 healed; 29 at 3 months; 31 at 6 months; 28 at 1 year, i.e. 226 DASH and 226 BHOT questionnaires in total. The questionnaire has been shown to have excellent reliability, criterion validity, construct validity, and responsiveness. The result is the Burnt Hand Outcome Tool (BHOT), a patient reported, quick and easy to use yet comprehensive questionnaire specifically for adult patients with burns to the hand.
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This study aimed to evaluate self-perceived participation and autonomy in patients with burns in Fujian, China, and to identify key factors influencing these parameters. ⋯ Medium-to-low levels of self-perceived participation and autonomy were observed 1 and 3months post-discharge. Clinicians should adopt specific measures to help patients (including those from poor economic backgrounds) successfully reintegrate into their families/societies. These include alleviating their pain, encouraging participation in daily activities while accepting their disabilities, and offering hope.
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To study the relationship between insurance provider and important outcomes among patients with burn injury. ⋯ Primary payer does not affect in-hospital mortality or treatment metrics among patients admitted for burn injury. However, compared with private insurance, Medicaid was associated with both higher morbidity and resource utilization, whereas uninsured patients had lower resource utilization.
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Burn patients have a highly variable length-of-stay (LOS) due to the complexity of the injury itself. The LOS for burn patients is estimated as one day per percent total body surface area (TBSA) burn. To focus care expectation and prognosis we aimed to identify key factors that contribute to prolonged LOS. ⋯ Progress has been made to update the conventional one day/%TBSA to better aid health care providers in giving appropriate outcomes for patients and their families and to supply intensive care units with valuable data to assess quality of care and to improve patient prognosis.
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Management of burns in older persons is complex with evidence indicating advanced age is associated with elevated risk for morbidity and mortality. Dysphagia and its sequelae may further increase this risk. ⋯ Dysphagia prevalence is high in older persons with burns and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, regardless of burn location.