581 Basecamp: Burn Efficiency Care Pathway

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S132-S132
Author(s):  
Carolyn B Blayney ◽  
Nicole S Gibran

Abstract Introduction Standardizing care has shown in the literature to be a means to improving the culture of safety in any field. Aligning burn surgeons, staff and ancillary services in the Burn ICU, Burn Acute Care floor, Burn Clinic who all have varying ideas, and plans of care creates toxic variation and communication challenges for bedside staff. While attending a medical center leadership development session, Burn Center Leadership collaborated on a project regarding burn center standardization. Methods A multidisciplinary Burn Center retreat in September 2017, launched the effort with a special emphasis on patient and family participation.We elicited feedback on what we did well and areas we could improve on. Using crowdsourcing methodology, the group selected 5 core QI/PI areas: resuscitation, wound care, pain/anxiety/delirium, physical mobility and psychosocial needs.Each multidisciplinary group, led by a non-physician chair and a Physician liaison established assigned tasks, rules of engagement and time frames. Work groups met weekly and reported progress to the Burn center QI committee.The project concluded with dissemination of the work products to staff. Patients and families were updated on the progress made to ensure we were still in alignment with our original goals. Results Burn Center orientation materials, standard operating practice documents and a Burn Center Standard of Care packet was developed. Documents were uploaded to a commonly accessible Burn Center Sharepoint website so there was one central source of information. The final BasECamP output was a daily checklist packet started on all BICU admits, that addressed key QI indicators and directives for care goals; 24 hr resuscitation guidelines, time to TF vs PO within 4 hrs of admit, daily weights, IV vs PO medication for wound care, time to first active mobility and a review of ICU and Hospital LOS per %TBSA. 71 adult burn patients >18 years admitted to the BICU between November 2018 and May 2019 were started on the pathway. Of the 71, 58 were admitted with a burn injury, 4 with TEN, 6 were burn post-ops and there were 3 deaths. The 58 new burn admits are reviewed below. Conclusions The BaSeCamP packet is turned in and reviewed with the team. Data shows significant improvement in knowledge of standard operating procedures, expectations and resource availability. With improved communication across the burn team, staff more clearly understand patient-specific expectations in burn care and are more easily able to educate patients and families about the plan. Applicability of Research to Practice This Process improvement project responds to patient and family feedback that burn teams must coordinate communication and eliminate variability in delivery of care.

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S140-S140
Author(s):  
Ekta Vohra

Abstract Introduction Certified wound care nurses perform a vital role in skin health and management in the hospital setting. During the certification process, minimal time is spent on burn wound education, despite the fact that wound care nurses are consulted for various wound etiologies; one of those being burns. This construct created a need for collaboration between the burn team and wound care nurses. Although all burns are essentially wounds, the reality is that all wounds are not burns. The management of the burn wound is often different from the management of pressure injuries or surgical wounds. In speaking with the wound care nurses at this large urban academic medical center, a knowledge gap was identified in burn wound care education as well as appropriate and timely consultation of the burn team. Methods This knowledge improvement project focused on educating the wound care nurses in assessment and treatment of burns, and the process for burn service consultation. Burn education was provided through in-person didactic presentations. The lecture included burn wound photos with opportunities to classify the potential depth of burn wounds as well as typical complications. Additionally, it discussed when a burn consult is needed. A basic knowledge retrospective pre-posttest method was utilized. Results An educational plan was tailored to meet the learning needs of the wound care nurses to address the knowledge gap. Post test data results were tracked. Post scores were increased, indicating a successful educational intervention. Also, while providing the education, the burn outreach coordinator identified an opportunity to expand the burn center’s presence among colleagues through collaboration with the wound care nurses. The wound nurses made excellent ambassadors for the mission of the burn service. Conclusions Provision of burn education across disciplines may improve recognition of burn wounds and facilitate definitive treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S194-S195
Author(s):  
Lisa C Vitale ◽  
Jennifer Livingston ◽  
Erica Curtis ◽  
Katherine Oag ◽  
Christina M Shanti ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction For children who have suffered a burn injury one of the greatest challenges is managing pain with an adequate yet practical burn wound dressing that will ultimately be managed at home. Medical product companies have created a variety of wound care products available on the market. These products are advertised to be more superior over one another in categories such as decrease in wound infections, minimization of pain, ease of dressing application, increased dressing wear time, and better wound healing. With all the options for burn wound care there are many factors to consider when choosing a burn dressing such as cost, ease of dressing for families at home, comfort, and efficacy. At our ten year verified pediatric burn center we have tried many different burn wound care products, however we have found Xeroform and bacitracin to be the most practical and easy to use for our patient population. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed from 2016–2018 of all cascading scald injuries to children 0–5 years of age treated at our verified pediatric burn center. 179 patients were included in this review. Of those patients a total of 52 patients were excluded, 28 patients had no follow up, 21 patients received alternate dressings, and 3 patients had full thickness injuries requiring a split thickness skin graft (STSG). Charts were reviewed for total body surface area (TBSA), length of stay (LOS), discharge dressing type, complications, and time to healing. All patients included routinely received consistent application of the Xeroform and bacitracin. Results 127 patients discharged with Xeroform dressings were included in this study with an average age of 1.4 years old (range 0–5 years) and average TBSA of 2.5% (range 0.25–13%). The average LOS was 1.6 days (range 1–10 days). In this sample 32 (25%) patients were healed within 7 days. 77 (61%) patients were healed within 7–14 days. 11 (9%) patients were healed within 14–21 days. 7 (5%) patients were healed in greater than 21 days. There were no wound complications identified within this study group. Conclusions Using Xeroform as our standard of practice has streamlined the care provided to our patients. We have demonstrated consistent effective re-epithelization, protection from infection, and ease of dressings for families and burn providers. In our experience Xeroform has provided a versatile way to care for partial thickness burn injuries. Applicability of Research to Practice We suggest Xeroform and bacitracin dressings be used for partial thickness burn injuries in patients under 5 years of age. This dressing may be superior to other products because it allows for bathing while providing good wound epithelization and is easy to use.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S24-S25
Author(s):  
Sarah K Shingleton ◽  
Alexandra J Helms ◽  
Leopoldo C Cancio ◽  
Monica L Abbott ◽  
Corey A Miner

Abstract Introduction New burn intensive care unit (BICU) nurses in the Burn Center complete an evidence-based preceptorship to include standardized wound care education that is reinforced throughout preceptorship. A gap in skill sustainment was identified; factors include lack of a formal sustainment program, inconsistent reinforcement of wound care skills and a perceived decrease in pride in wound care. The purposes of this project are to 1) develop and implement a wound care skill sustainment program 2) re-establish confidence in wound care and 3) improve the quality of wound care delivered in the BICU. Methods A Wound Improvement Project (WIP) committee was formed FEB 2018 consisting 8 BICU nurses; the BICU Nurse Manager and Wound Clinical Nurse Specialist serve as consultants. WIP developed several learning modules and is now developing a wound skill sustainment program and evaluation tool based on the Burn Nurse Competency Initiative (BNCI) standards. BICU staff complete an anonymous survey about wound care confidence every 6 months. WIP mentors and evaluates competency through direct observation during 3 assigned shifts with each BICU nurse. Wound care documentation is audited monthly and a wound care quality audit tool is being developed. Descriptive statistics, student’s T-test, and ANOVA were used. Results The confidence survey was given in Spring 2018 (n=52), Winter 2019 (n=33) and Summer 2019 (n=64); each question showed significant improvement. Notably “how confident would you be doing a full body wound care by yourself with some help turning” improved from 4.12 (±1.17) to 4.64 (±0.65, p=.01). 24 BICU staff have been evaluated with 40 pending completion. No significant difference was found in skill competency between the 3 WIP assigned shifts; however self-evaluation for “how comfortable/confident do you feel advocating for a different type of wound care treatment for your patient” improved from 6.1 (±2.2) to 7.5 (±1.9, p< .0001). Average wound documentation scores improved from 85% in FEB 2018 to 99% in FEB 2019. Conclusions Wound care confidence and documentation have improved since initiation of WIP. Targeted education, bedside tools and workshops have all contributed. There is a positive trend (not significant) towards improved skill competency this is likely due to tool modifications and the small number of staff evaluated to date. Staff feedback has been positive with most staff finding WIP helpful. The long-term goal is to expand WIP to all areas of the Burn Center. Applicability of Research to Practice BNCI standards are a framework for skill sustainment and progression of staff from competent towards proficient and expert. Development and evaluation of nurse-led sustainment programs are needed across the burn community.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S212-S212
Author(s):  
Mathangi A Chandramouli ◽  
Jamie Heffernan ◽  
Angela Rabbitts ◽  
Philip Chang

Abstract Introduction The undomiciled burned patient presents more challenges to the burn team with regards to safe disposition. Discharge planning is complicated by the lack of a safe, clean environment to perform requisite wound care, thus prolonging hospital stays. The purpose of our study was to analyze the homeless patients admitted to a major urban burn center. This data would then better help identify trends and characteristics that could inform development of support services for this unfortunate population. Methods Demographic and clinical data from inpatients was collected from a single urban ABA verified burn center over a 3 year period between 1/2016 and 12/2018. Simple descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results 1985 patients were admitted over the 3 year period. 48 homeless patients were identified (2.4%). The average age of this population was 39.8±16.8 years (range 3 months to 63 years old). There were 5 children (10.4% of the homeless cohort) in this population (ranging from 3 months to 4 years of age). Only 2 homeless burn inpatients were greater than 60 years of age (2% of the homeless cohort). There were 15 females (31%) and 33 males (69%). The mean TBSA was 5.8±9.9%. The average length of hospital stay was 21.9±29 days. 27 of the 48 patients (56%) required operative treatment. The 3 most common etiologies of skin injury were flame burns (29%), scald burns (25%), and cold injury (19%). The vast number of patients (39 out of 48, 81%) were discharged back to “their previous condition” (i.e. homeless shelter or the streets). There was 1 mortality in this group. Conclusions Contrary to widespread assumptions about the homeless being overwhelmingly male and adult, a significant percentage of the homeless burn patients were female with a percentage of patients being pediatric as well. The length of stay was significantly longer for most patients given the relatively small average size of burn injury. Cold injury was more significant etiology in this population compared to the overall burn population. Applicability of Research to Practice This analysis of the undomiciled burn inpatient at a single urban burn center will help better describe this especially challenging population and help focus social support and discharge planning resources for this group.


2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 853-858
Author(s):  
Kavitha Ranganathan ◽  
Charles A Mouch ◽  
Michael Chung ◽  
Ian B Mathews ◽  
Paul S Cederna ◽  
...  

Abstract Timely treatment is essential for optimal outcomes after burn injury, but the method of resource distribution to ensure access to proper care in developing countries remains unclear. We therefore sought to examine access to burn care and the presence/absence of resources for burn care in India. We surveyed all eligible burn centers (n = 67) in India to evaluate burn care resources at each facility. We then performed a cross-sectional geospatial analysis using geocoding software (ArcGIS 10.3) and publicly available hospital-level data (WorldStreetMap, WorldPop database) to predict the time required to access care at the nearest burn center. Our primary outcome was the time required to reach a burn facility within India. Descriptive statistics were used to present our results. Of the 67 burn centers that completed the survey, 45% were government funded. More than 1 billion (75.1%) Indian citizens live within 2 hours of a burn center, but only 221.9 million (15.9%) live within 2 hours of a burn center with both an intensive care unit (ICU) and a skin bank. Burn units are staffed primarily by plastic surgeons (n = 62, 93%) with an average of 5.8 physicians per unit. Most burn units (n = 53, 79%) have access to hemodialysis. While many Indian citizens live within 2 hours of a burn center, most centers do not offer ICU and skin bank services that are essential for modern burn care. Reallocation of resources to improve transportation and availability of ICU and skin bank services is necessary to improve burn care in India.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S82-S83
Author(s):  
Emma R Duchin ◽  
Megan Moore ◽  
Gretchen J Carrougher ◽  
Emily K Min ◽  
Debra B Gordon ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Burns are often painful injuries, associated with a long recovery. Little is known about patients’ pain experience or understanding of burn pain. Patients may also not be receiving sufficient pain education to optimize their pain experience. The aim of this project was to obtain patients’ perspectives to inform future burn pain education efforts at a regional burn center. Methods We conducted mixed-methods interviews in inpatient and outpatient units. Participants were >=14 years with acute burn injury, who received at least two wound care episodes, and were able to cognitively participate. Provider stakeholders designed the interview using a modified Delphi technique. Survey questions focused on patients’ pain experiences, understanding and desire to gain knowledge of burn pain and management. Descriptive quantitative analysis was performed on categorical data. Recorded interview segments were transcribed for content analysis using an online, HIPAA-compliant software. Results We interviewed 21 adult burn patients. Participants reported variable pain and pain management effectiveness, with inpatients reporting more severe pain than outpatients. Only 11% of inpatients reported having received enough pain information, compared to 50% of outpatients. Participants expressed, in decreasing order of importance, a need for more information on burn-related pain, medications and alternative treatments, analgesic weaning, and addiction risk. In-person education ranked as the most desirable education method, followed by pamphlets and video education. Qualitative content analysis yielded 3 major themes: patient’s pain experience, range of expectations, and clinical information/services desired. Mental and physical effects were key parts of participants’ pain experiences, with many participants reporting mental anguish in addition to pain. Most participants’ pain expectations were matched by their experience, while some individuals described higher pain levels than they anticipated. Positive experiences with the burn care team primarily revolved around provided education and information on pain, whereas negative experiences concentrated on wound care events. Participants desired more information on sleep and pain medications, realistic expectations of recovery timelines, and available mental health services. Conclusions Burn patients report variable pain experiences and a strong desire to receive additional pain education. This project informs key strategies to educate burn patients on pain. A high-level of interest in pain, pharmacologic and alternative therapies, weaning and addiction risks indicates a need for newer targeted education materials. Applicability of Research to Practice Burn patients’ perspectives help inform strategies and content creation for education materials that burn centers can provide.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S144-S144
Author(s):  
Beverly Beaucock

Abstract Introduction The treatment and care of a burn injury is specialized and can be very intimidating to the patient and family. It is the obligation of the burn team to educate the patient and caregiver at a level where they clearly understand and are comfortable. It is important to be mindful of how others comprehend whether it is visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic. When attempting to learn something new, especially when compounded by a burn injury, can be quite challenging. Methods Videos of burn injury cleansing techniques and various applications of dressings were produced to enhance patient and family education. Results Our analysis of feedback from the patient and family indicates an appreciation for other learning platforms and is a complement to written instructions. Conclusions We concluded that by offering video education along with other educational tools, it has enhanced the patient and family experience in the burn center.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. e247077
Author(s):  
Matthew James Stone ◽  
Natalie Megan Roberts ◽  
Mohammad Umair Anwar

We present the case of a female teenager who sustained nitrous oxide burns to the medial aspect of both thighs from contact with a nitrous oxide canister being used to fill balloons. There was a delay in presentation as the injury was not initially recognised. These burns were initially assessed as being superficial partial-thickness burns but took a prolonged time to heal despite regular wound care. This was complicated by a lack of adherence to recommended treatment for much of the patient care as well as the patient testing positive for COVID-19 during their management, which prevented surgery and significantly extended time to healing. While small numbers of similar cases have been previously described this is the first reported case outside of the Netherlands and in a child. Being aware of such cases ensures early referral to specialist burn care for appropriate management to give patients the best possible outcome.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S83-S84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather J Schwartz ◽  
Shawn Fagan ◽  
Beretta Craft-Coffman ◽  
Christopher A Truelove ◽  
Robert F Mullins

Abstract Introduction One of the most traumatizing and frightening experiences a child can experience is to sustain a burn injury. As a result, the child may experience excruciating pain and anxiety. The objective of this quality improvement project is use virtual reality as a nonpharmacologic intervention for pain and anxiety control and compare to traditional distractions methods. Methods There were 46 subjects ages 4 to 20 enrolled in a sample of convenience. Participants were given either virtual reality or distraction for dressing changes or minor surgical procedures. Before and after the surgical procedure or dressing change, the participants, their parent and nursing staff completed a Modified Yale Perioperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS, Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scale or Numeric Rating System (NRS). Results There was no significant difference in FLACC, NRS, and mYPAS scale scores pre-treatment. The post treatment NRS scores were significantly different between distraction and virtual reality (p= 0.031). FLACC scores for the distraction group increased 3.5-fold, while the virtual reality group scores decreased (p.0.0008). Mean mYPAS scores decreased again showing a significant difference between distraction and virtual reality with p= 0.004. The score increased with distraction and decreased with virtual reality with a difference of 12. In all cases virtual reality was better than distraction, when measuring pain and anxiety. Conclusions This QI project demonstrates that VR was more effective in reducing both pain and anxiety in burned pediatric patients as opposed to traditional distraction post treatment. Traditional distraction unfortunately was shown to increase both pain and anxiety post treatment. These conclusions suggest that VR may be utilized as a non-pharmacologic treatment option in conjunction with standard treatment to help decrease pain and anxiety in acutely burned children. Applicability of Research to Practice This study increases the knowledge base and advances the evidence-based practice of advanced practice registered nurses in the specialty of burn care. It suggests that a non-pharmacologic intervention such as virtual reality can be used to effectively reduce pain and anxiety in children who are undergoing treatment for their burn injury.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 1052-1062 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda P Bettencourt ◽  
Kathleen S Romanowski ◽  
Victor Joe ◽  
James Jeng ◽  
Jeffrey E Carter ◽  
...  

Abstract Existing burn center referral criteria were developed several years ago, and subsequent innovations in burn care have occurred. Coupled with frequent errors in the estimation of extent of burn injury and depth by referring providers, patients are both over and under-triaged when the existing criteria are used to support patient care decisions. In the absence of compelling clinical trial data on appropriate burn patient triage, we convened a multidisciplinary panel of experts to execute an iterative eDelphi consensus process to facilitate a revision. The eDelphi process panel consisted of n = 61 burn stakeholders and experts and progressed through four rounds before reaching consensus on key clinical domains. The major findings are that 1) burn center consultation is strongly recommended for all patients with deep partial-thickness or deeper burns ≥ 10% TBSA burned, for full-thickness burns ≥ 5% TBSA burned, for children and older adults with specific dressing and medical needs, and for special burn circumstances including electrical, chemical, and radiation injuries; 2) smaller burns are ideally followed in burn center outpatient settings as soon as possible after injury, preferably without delays of a week or more; 3) frostbite, Stevens–Johnson syndrome/TENS, and necrotizing soft-tissue infection patients benefit from burn center treatment; and 4) telemedicine and technological solutions are of likely benefit in achieving this standard. Unlike the original criteria, the revised consensus-based guidelines create a framework promoting communication so that triage and treatment are specifically tailored to individual patient characteristics, injury severity, geography, and the capabilities of referring institutions.


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