Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Timely admission to the burn unit is crucial. Ideal burn care requires prompt interventions such as wound and body temperature management, infection control, and fluid resuscitation to prevent complications like burn progression and infection. In this study, we identify specific factors and outcomes associated with delayed admission to a regional burn center. ⋯ Sociodemographic variables such as homelessness, lack of social support, and substance abuse are associated with delayed burn unit admission. Knowledge of these factors can inform future interventions to improve outcomes for vulnerable patients, promoting better recovery and long-term outcomes after burn injury.
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The Abbreviated Burn Severity Index (ABSI) by Tobiasen, which is commonly used to estimate the mortality risk of severely burned patients, calculates an additional point for the existence of full-thickness (third-degree) burns. [1] However, the score does not consider the extent of the body surface affected by third-degree burns. To understand whether there is a way to improve ABSI prediction power, this study aims to determine the influence of full-thickness burns on survival rates and how it affects the predictive precision of the ABSI. ⋯ For patients with a TBSA < 20 %, the presence of full-thickness burns is not relevant for survival. In contrast to this observation, the percentage of full-thickness burns is of crucial prognostic importance for patients with a TBSA of > 20 %. By adjusting the ABSI and taking into account the exact percentage of third-degree burns, an improvement in the prognostic precision of the score could be achieved.
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To analyze, through the responses of physicians who work in burn treatment units, their demographic profiles and academic backgrounds, the structure available for patient care, the adoption of care protocols, support from medical and multidisciplinary specialties, and the main challenges faced by these professionals. ⋯ Burn treatment units are widespread throughout the country, at different levels of complexity. The most frequent organization is a regional reference center, with care for more than one million inhabitants, located within a tertiary hospital. Most professionals are between 30 and 60 years old, with more than 5 years of experience in burns. The majority of centers demonstrate well-established clinical, surgical, dressing, and global patient care protocols. The complexity of cases, patterns of resistance, and bacterial colonization are important challenges throughout Brazil.
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For nurses working in specialized units such as burn units, having adequate levels of job satisfaction and motivation is crucial for enhanced productivity in order to maintain quality nursing care. ⋯ A positive correlation was observed between job satisfaction and job motivation of the nurses. If older nurses cannot get support from their supervisors, their satisfaction will be decreased. In addition, if more experienced nurses in the burn unit do not feel importance on the job, their satisfaction will be decreased.