Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Nylon-reinforced silver sodium carboxymethylcellulose (AQUACEL(®) Ag BURN) dressings were developed to be pliable and conforming for the management of partial-thickness burns. This study evaluated the AQUACEL(®) Ag BURN glove for the management of hand burns. ⋯ The AQUACEL(®) Ag BURN glove was well tolerated in the management of partial-thickness hand burn. Many patients used only one glove. When glove changes were required, they were usually quick and easy.
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Multicenter Study
Are there predicting factors for burn patients that transfer to a rehabilitation center upon completion of acute care?
Choosing the right burn patient that transfers to a rehabilitation facility following acute hospitalization is a difficult decision. In our study we characterize demographic, injury and hospitalization related variables that predict a burn patient's transfer to a rehabilitation facility. ⋯ In this study we examined patients who were sent to a rehabilitation facility upon completion of their acute care in an attempt to evaluate common initial clinical variables that assist in making an educated decision regarding the patient rehabilitation transfer. This is one of the first attempts at examining and revealing evidence based parameters that might determine the correct burn patient to send to rehabilitation after his hospitalization.
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Multicenter Study
Digital image analysis versus clinical assessment of wound epithelialization: a validation study.
To evaluate the progress in wound healing, wound assessment is mandatory. Epithelialization is traditionally assessed subjectively by the clinician. In a previous study, subjective assessment of epithelialization was shown to be reliable. ⋯ Subjective clinical assessment of epithelialization showed a strong correlation with digital image analysis (IC coefficient 0.80). In conclusion, subjective clinical evaluation of wound epithelialization is as good as an objective measure, in this study digital image analysis. Since digital image analysis is more time-consuming, we recommend the use of the subjective evaluation for daily practice.
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Multicenter Study
Association between depression, patient scar assessment and burn-specific health in hospitalized burn patients.
Depression is one of the most common psychological problems arising after a burn, but its relationship with patient scar assessment and burn-specific health are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of in-hospital symptoms of depression, compare level of patient scar assessment, and burn-specific health by depression cutoff point, and identify the relationship between depression and these variables. ⋯ Results indicate that incidence of symptoms of depression is relatively high, and depressed burn patients report worse burn scar or sensation and lower levels of burn-specific health. Early, timely recognition and management of depression in these patients are warranted.
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Multicenter Study
Evaluation of the online-presence (homepage) of burn units/burn centers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
A successful online presence is an important key factor in the competition among hospitals today. However, little is known about the internet presence and the quality of websites of burn units on the World Wide Web. The aim was to assess the online presence of hospitals provided by specialized burn units in German speaking countries with a focus on the rate and the performance of actively run websites. ⋯ Burn centers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland already consider the World Wide Web as an important tool for self-promotion and communication. The potential of burn center websites to function as a knowledge base for first aid as well as preventive measurements should be considered and realized in future web site designs.