A systematic review of medical science students' knowledge and related factors towards burns first aids

This systematic review aims to examine the knowledge of medical science students about burn first aid. A comprehensive, systematic search was performed in different international electronic databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database (SID) using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as “Knowledge”, “First aid”, “Medical science student” and “Burn” from the earliest to February 1, 2023. The quality of the studies included in this systematic review was evaluated by using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool). Thirteen studies had a total of 5046 students studying medical sciences. Among them, 62.24% were female and 77.67% were medical students. The studies included in this systematic review were conducted in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, and Malaysia. Medical science students' average knowledge of first aid for burns is 56.92 out of 100, which is considered to be a moderate level of knowledge. Factors such as the experience of first aid training, academic year, clinical experience, and economic status had a significant positive relationship with the knowledge of medical science students about first aid for burns. Also, factors such as age, academic specialisation, academic year, information sources, and fathers' occupation had a significant relationship with the knowledge of medical students about first aid for burns. Therefore, it is suggested that healthcare managers and policymakers make the necessary plans to ensure that first aid training courses are implemented during medical science students' studies as a part of their curriculum.     

Caregivers' knowledge with burned children and related factors towards burn first aid: A systematic review

This systematic review aimed to examine the caregivers' knowledge with burned children and related factors towards burn first aid. A comprehensive, systematic search was performed in different international electronic databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as “Knowledge”, “First aid”, “Caregiver”, “Burn”, and “Child” from the earliest to the December 1, 2022. The quality of the studies included in this systematic review was evaluated by using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool). A total of 11 763 caregivers of children with burns were enrolled in 14 studies. Of the participants, 78.81% were female and 41.15% had a university education. The mean score of caregivers' knowledge with burned children towards burn first aid was 51.44 out of 100. The knowledge of caregivers of burned children towards burn first aid had a significant positive relationship with the level of education, first aid training, age of caregivers, history of burn, number of children, monthly income, social status, and attitude. In addition, caregivers' knowledge had a significant negative relationship with the number of children. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between caregivers' knowledge and level of education, monthly income, smoking, and previous knowledge of first aid. The level of caregivers' knowledge with burned children towards burn first aid was moderate. Therefore, health managers and policymakers can improve the knowledge of caregivers of burned children towards burn first aid by creating suitable platforms for face-to-face training as well as online training using websites.     

A systematic review of life satisfaction and related factors among burns patients

This systematic review aimed to examine the life satisfaction and related factors among burns patients. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted at the international electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as ‘Burns’, ‘Life satisfaction’, ‘Personal satisfaction’, and ‘Patient satisfaction’ from the earliest to the 1 October 2022. The quality of the studies included in this review was evaluated using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool). A total of 3352 burn patients in the nine cross-sectional studies were included in this systematic review. 70.52% of burn patients were male. The mean age of burn patients was 37.47 (SD = 14.73). The mean score of life satisfaction in burn patients based on SWLS was 23.02 (SD = 7.86) out of 35, based on LSI-A was 12.67 (SD = 4.99) out of 20, and based on the life satisfaction questionnaire was 4.81 (SD = 1.67) out of 7. Factors including time since burn, religion, and constant had a positive and significant relationship with life satisfaction in burn patients. Whereas, factors such as single marital status, age at injury, length of hospital stay, presence of pain, larger total body surface area burn, head and neck burn, functional impairment, family satisfaction, satisfaction with appearance, and previous psychiatric treatment had a negative and significant relationship with life satisfaction in burn patients. In sum, this systematic review showed that burn patients were slightly satisfied with their life. Therefore, health managers and policymakers can improve the quality of life of burn victims by planning psychological counselling and behavioural therapy, and consequently increase their life satisfaction.     

A systematic review of social support and related factors among burns patients

Burn injuries, as a major public health problem, can lead to high morbidity and mortality. Burns is considered as one of the most devastating injuries globally and the fourth most common injury after traffic accidents, falls and interpersonal violence. Burn injuries can affect human life, such as physical and mental health, functional skills, and performance. Changes in appearance, social isolation, stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, unemployment, financial burden and family problems can occur in these patients. These burn complications can be exacerbated without adequate social support. This systematic review evaluated burn patients' social support and related factors. A systematic search was performed on the international electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as ‘Burns’, ‘Social support’, ‘Perceived social support’ and ‘Social care’ from the earliest to 30 April 2022. The quality of the included studies in this review was assessed using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool). A total of 1677 burn patients were included in this review from 12 studies. Mean score of social support in burn patients based on multidimensional scale of perceived social support, Phillips's social support questionnaire, social support questionnaire, social support scale and Norbeck social support questionnaire were 5.04 (SD = 1.59) of 7, 22.06 (SD = 3.05), 78.20 (SD = 15.00) of 95, 82.24 (SD = 13.70) and 4.14 (SD = 0.99), respectively. Factors such as income, educational attainment, burn surface area, reconstructive surgery, quality of life, self-esteem, socialisation, posttraumatic growth, spirituality, and ego resilience had a significant positive relationship with social support of burns patients. Social support in patients with burn had a significant negative relationship with factors such as psychological distress, having children, life satisfaction, neuroticism and post-traumatic stress disorder. Overall, patients with burns had moderate levels of social support. Therefore, it is recommended that health policymakers and managers make it easier for burn patients to adapt to burns by providing psychological intervention programs and the social support needed by burn patients.     

A systematic review of caregivers' knowledge and related factors towards pressure ulcer prevention

This systematic review aimed to examine the knowledge of caregivers regarding pressure ulcer (PU) prevention. A thorough, methodical search was conducted from the earliest date to February 1, 2023 using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as “Caregivers”, “Knowledge”, and “Pressure ulcer” in various international electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex and Scientific Information Database. The quality of the studies included in this systematic review was evaluated using an appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool). In total, 927 caregivers participated in the eight studies. The average age of the participants was 40.50 (SD = 12.67). Among the participants, 61.87% were women. The average caregiver's knowledge of PU prevention was 53.70 (SD = 14.09) out of 100, which suggests a moderate level of knowledge. Factors such as level of education, age, occupation, information about PUs, attitude, and practice had a significant positive relationship with caregivers' knowledge related to the prevention of PUs. Knowledge had a significantly negative relationship with age. In addition, marital status, type of relationship, age, gender, occupation, level of education, and inpatient wards had a significant relationship with caregivers' knowledge regarding PUs prevention. Therefore, managers and policymakers in the medical field can help increase caregivers' knowledge by providing an online or in-person educational platform relevant to PU prevention.     

Effects of massage therapy on pain and anxiety intensity in patients with burns: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of massage therapy on pain and anxiety intensity in patients with burns. A comprehensive, systematic search was conducted in various international electronic databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as ‘Massage therapy’, ‘Musculoskeletal manipulations’, ‘Acute pains’, ‘Burning pain’, and ‘Burn’ from the earliest to October 17, 2022. Cochran's tool is used to check the risk of bias for randomised clinical trial (RCT) articles. The methodological index for non-randomised studies was used to assess the risk of bias in quasi-experimental studies. STATA version 14 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. A 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine statistical significance. Heterogeneity was investigated with I². A P-value less than .1 was considered statistically significant for publication bias value. A total of 733 patients with burns were included in seven studies. Five studies had an RCT design and two studies had a quasi-experimental design. The duration of the study was reported in five studies, with a mean of 42.40 weeks. The duration of the intervention was reported in seven studies with a mean of 22.86 minutes. The results of the meta-analysis showed using various types of massage therapy interventions significantly reduced pain intensity in the intervention group compared with the control group (weighted mean difference: −2.08, 95% CI: −2.55 to −1.62, Z = 8.77, I²: 67.1%, P < .001). Massage therapy intervention significantly reduced the intensity of anxiety in burn patients (standard mean difference: −7.07, 95% CI: −10.13 to −4.01, Z = 4.53, I²: 98.2, P < .001). Overall, the present systematic review and meta-analysis showed that massage therapy can reduce the intensity of pain and anxiety in burn patients. Therefore, it is recommended that health managers and policymakers pay special attention to massage therapy as a simple, low-cost, and efficient non-pharmacological treatment to relieve pain and anxiety in burn patients.     

Effects of breathing exercise techniques on the pain and anxiety of burn patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to summarise the effect of breathing exercise techniques (BET) on the pain and anxiety of burn patients during burn care. A systematic search was performed on international electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, as well as on Iranian electronic databases such as Iranmedex and Scientific Information Database (SID) with keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as ‘Burns’, ‘Bandages’, ‘Pain’, ‘Pain management’, ‘Anxiety’, ‘Breathing’, and ‘Breathing exercise’, which were performed from the earliest to 4 April 2022. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist assessed the quality of randomised control trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies. The current meta-analysis was performed using STATA V.14.0 software. A 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine significance levels. Random effect model was used to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD). A total of 469 burn patients participated in 10 studies. Exactly 58.60% of burn patients were male, and the number of people in the intervention and control groups was equal. The mean age of burn patients was 32.84 (SD = 10.39). Exactly 78.05% of patients had second-degree burns. The mean study duration was 19 weeks. Results of analysis of RCT studies showed BET decreased insignificantly pain severity (WMD: −1.17, 95%CI: −2.54 to 0.21, Z = 1.66, P = .096, I²:97.1%) in the intervention group than control group. However, the results of non-RCTs studies indicated BET significantly decreased pain (WMD: −1.38, 95%CI: −2.16 to −0.61, Z = 3.49, P < .001, I²:88.4%) and anxiety (WMD: −4.91, 95%CI: −9.35 to −0.47, Z = 2.71, P = .03 0.001, I²:88.4%) in the intervention group than control group. Overall, the results of RCTs found BET intervention decreased pain in the intervention group when compared with the control group; however, it was statistically insignificant. Also, results of non-RCT studies showed intervention of BET significantly decreased pain and anxiety in burns patients. More RCTs studies are required for better judgement of the effectiveness of BET intervention in clinical settings.     

A systematic review of nurses' knowledge and related factors towards the prevention of medical device-related pressure ulcers

The aim of this review study is to investigate the nurses' knowledge and related factors towards the prevention of medical device-related pressure ulcers (MDRPUs). An extensive search was conducted in international electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, and Persian databases, such as Iranmedex and the Scientific Information Database from December 1, 2022. During this search, keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings, such as “Prevention knowledge,” “Nurse,” “Pressure ulcer,” “Equipment and Supplies,” and “Intensive Care Units” were used. The quality of the present studies in this review was evaluated based on the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool). A total of 1847 nurses participated in this review from five studies, and the majority of them (82.94%) were female. The mean age of the participants was 31.40 (SD = 5.97). The mean score of MDRPUs prevention knowledge in nurses based on PU2014 scale and researcher-made questionnaires were 16.50 (SD = 3.74) out of 31 and 65.49 (SD = 6.33) out of 100, respectively. The knowledge of nurses is influenced by factors such as age, sex, level of education, work experience, technical titles, type of hospital, level of hospital, and type of ward. Various factors had a significant positive relationship with nurses' MDRPUs prevention knowledge, which includes level of education, work experience, previous training on MDRPU, having a wound care certificate, an online search about MDRPU, and attitude and practise towards MDRPU prevention. At the same time, nurses' knowledge about the prevention of MDRPUs had a significant negative relationship with the time interval since last participating in MDRPU training or workshop. Overall, the level of MDRPUs prevention knowledge among nurses was insufficient to moderate. Therefore, it is suggested to provide facilities for nurses to receive the necessary training.     

A systematic review of nursing students' attitude and related factors towards pressure ulcer prevention

The purpose of this review study is to investigate the attitude of nursing students toward the prevention of pressure ulcers (PUs) and related factors. From February 1, 2023, a comprehensive search was conducted in international and Persian electronic databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Iranmedex, and Scientific information database (SID). The keywords obtained from Medical Subject Headings, including “Attitude”, “Nursing students”, and “Pressure ulcer” were used in this search. The quality assessment of the present studies in this systematic review was based on the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool). A total of 6454 nursing students participated in ten cross-sectional studies. All students were studying at the undergraduate level and 81.20% of them were female. Nursing students were in the first (39.27%), second (28.19%), and third and fourth (32.54%) academic years. Among the participants, 49.86% have completed at least 2 clinical units. The mean scores of attitudes toward PU prevention in nursing students based on attitude toward PU prevention (APuP) and researcher-made questionnaires were 75.01% and 68.82%, respectively. The attitude of nursing students was influenced by various factors, including age, sex, academic year, clinical experience, number of clinical units, experience in caring for PU patients, previous courses on PU in the curriculum, and contribution of training to knowledge. Also, in the present study, the positive relationship between the attitude and knowledge of nursing students was shown as the only significant correlation. In sum, the attitude of the majority of nursing students toward the prevention of PUs was at a satisfactory level. Therefore, it is expected to transfer the necessary knowledge to them with proper planning so that preventive actions can be carried out by following the guidelines.     

First impressions last… A survey of knowledge of first aid in burn-related injuries amongst hospital workers

Rationale

The administration of first aid in burns has been shown to have a significant influence on the ultimate severity of the burn. We wanted to assess in-hospital healthcare (HCW), and non-healthcare workers’ (nHCW) knowledge of first aid in burns.

Methods

A purpose-designed questionnaire, including information about previous attendance at a first aid course and four clinical scenarios of burns, was distributed to HCWs in the local hospitals and non-medical students in the Universities of Leeds and Sheffield.

Results

697 questionnaires were completed – 397 (57%) from HCW and 300 (43%) from nHCW. 59% of HCW had attended a first aid course, 68% of these courses included teaching on first aid in burns.HCW who had completed a first aid course generally did better than those who had not. Only 16% of HCW achieved correct answers in all questions compared to 30% nHCW.

Conclusions

We show that the knowledge of first aid in burns is relatively poor amongst HCW and that attendance at a burns first aid course improves knowledge (although perhaps not as much as one might hope). We recommend that the burns content of first aid courses be reviewed, and that there is a requirement for ALL hospital healthcare workers to undertake a first aid course, which includes appropriate burns first aid.     

Burn first aid in Western Australia—Do healthcare workers have the knowledge?

Burn injuries treated with adequate immediate first aid are associated with more favourable outcomes, limiting tissue damage and subsequent morbidity including the need for surgery. Cool running water at a temperature of between 10–15 °C for 20 to 30 minutes is considered adequate burn first aid treatment. A prospective audit of all new patients (n = 227) with burns, attending the minor burn facility at Royal Perth Hospital showed only 88 (39%) patients received appropriate first aid. Fifty percent of patients receiving inappropriate first aid, had this delivered by his or her primary health care contact. This study aims to determine the knowledge of burns first aid among healthcare workers (HCW) and compare this to the general population. A customized survey was performed, four sample cases were included with 4 possible answers in a multiple choice format. All case studies asked the participant to record immediate first aid management. On a case by case basis, burn first aid knowledge was fair but overall knowledge very poor, only 18.8% of respondents achieving 4 correct responses. The uptake of first aid courses was high among HCW at 75% but particularly low among the NHCW at 28%. Our study has shown the value of performing such a course, with a statistically significant (p = 0.00) difference between participants who had completed a first aid course and those that had not. The purpose of this study was to quantify knowledge of burns first aid with a view to providing directed education, studies have shown the success of multimedia campaigns. It has been shown that good first aid improves the outcome for the burn patient and this study demonstrates that participation in a first aid course improves knowledge. It is justifiable to progress toward compulsory first aid courses which include first aid of the burns patient to improve outcomes for the community as a whole.     

Evaluation of a continuous training program at Bichat hospital for in-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation

Management of in-hospital cardiac arrest is now considered as a hospital quality indicator. Such management actually requires training health care workers (HCWs) for basic life support (BLS). OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness and efficacy of a short mandatory BLS training course amongst general ward HCWs in a 1,200 bed teaching hospital. STUDY DESIGN: The in-hospital medical emergency team (MET) established a 45-min BLS training course comprising 10 goals for basic CPR and preparing for the arrival of the MET. Assessment was based on satisfaction questionnaires, cross-sectional evaluation of knowledge and skills of HCWs before and 1 year after the start of the training course. Efficacy of BLS performed on ward was assessed by the MET on scene. RESULTS: One year after, 68 training sessions had been fulfilled and 522 HCWs had been trained (46.27% of total HCWs). HCWs were satisfied with the teaching course. Instant retention of objectives was over 90%. Cross-sectional surveys showed an improvement of BLS knowledge and skills. The knowledge of initial clinical assessment remained low. Knowledge and skills were significantly higher amongst HCWs who had been trained than amongst those who had not. Unfortunately, general ward BLS performance showed no improvement. CONCLUSION: Short mandatory training courses are stimulating and well appreciated amongst HCWs. Although basic knowledge and skills improve dramatically, no improvement of on-scene BLS performance occurs.     

Effects of non-pharmacological interventions on pain intensity of children with burns: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Pain is one of the complications associated with burns, which can lead to anxiety and sleeplessness in children. Various studies evaluated the effects of non-pharmacological interventions on burn wound care. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of non-pharmacological interventions on pain intensity of children with burns. A comprehensive systematic search was conducted in various international electronic databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as ‘Non-pharmacological’, ‘Virtual reality’, ‘Pain’, ‘Burn’, ‘Wound’ and ‘Child’ from the earliest to December 1, 2022. The risk of bias in the final articles was also assessed with the Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2). Finally, a total of 1005 burn patients were included in 19 studies. The age range of the patients was from 0.5 to 19 years. Of the participants, 50.05% were in the intervention group. All studies had a randomised clinical trial design. The results found that non-pharmacological interventions significantly reduced pain intensity in children (ES: −0.73, 95% CI: −1.08 to −0.38, Z = 4.09, I²:79.8, P < .001). Virtual reality (VR) (ES: −0.54, 95% CI: −1.19 to −0.18, Z = 2.90, I²:72.9%, P = .004) and non-VR (ES: -0.86, 95% CI: −1.45 to −0.27, Z = 2.86, I²:91.4%, P = .04) interventions decreased pain intensity significantly in children based sub-group analysis. Non-pharmacological interventions significantly reduced the pain intensity of dressing removal (ES: −0.77, 95% CI: −1.34 to −0.20, Z = 66.3, I²:91.8%, P = .008), dressing application (ES: −0.53, 95% CI: −0.97 to −0.09, Z = 2.37, I²:60.8%, P = .02), and physical therapy (ES: −1.18, 95% CI: −2.10 to −0.26, Z = 2.51, I²:88.0%, P = .01). Also, interventions reduced the pain of burn wound care (ES: −0.29, 95% CI: −1.01 to 0.44, Z = 0.78, I²:72.6%, P = .43), but it was statistically insignificant. In sum, the result of the present study indicated that using non-pharmacological interventions significantly reduced pain intensity in children. The reduction of pain intensity was greater in non-VR than in VR interventions. Future studies should focus on comparing VR interventions with non-VR and single versus multi-modal distraction to clarify the effectiveness of each.     

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy role in the treatment of burn patients. A systematic literature review

IntroductionExtracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), first described in the eighties for the treatment of urolithiasis, has also been applied in other fields such as orthopaedics and chronic wound care. Recently it has also been used in the treatment of burns and its sequelae since several studies suggest it could be an important tool in the conservative management of these conditions. The aim of this article is to review the literature for published evidence on the use of ESWT for the treatment of acute burn patients and its sequelae and to elaborate a brief report on the current state of the matter.Material and methodsWe carried on a search on PUBMED database and Cochrane database with the following terms: (‘burns’ [title/abstract] OR ‘burn’ [title/abstract]) AND “shock wave” ([title/abstract]). For an optimal reporting of the studies found we followed the PRISMA statement.ResultsThis search found 34 articles from which only 15 were actually related to the use of ESWT in burn patients. From these 15 articles, 7 involved the use of ESWT in the treatment of acute burns, 6 related to its application in post-burn scars, 1 in the treatment of heterotopic ossification and 1 was about the use of ESWT in skin-graft donor site. Except for the latter, all of them were carefully reviewed.ConclusionScientific evidence on the use of ESWT for the treatment of burn patients is weak due to the paucity of studies and their low quality. However, ESWT seems to be a promising tool in this field and therefore more high-quality trials should be conducted.     

Prevalence of non-accidental burns and related factors in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Non-accidental burns (NABs) in children had some adverse effects, such as severe burns, requiring skin grafting, and mortality. Previous studies reported NABs in the form of neglect, suspected abuse, and child abuse. Also, different statistics were estimated for the prevalence of NABs in children. Therefore, the current study aimed to comprehensively review and summarise the literature on the prevalence of NABs in children. Also, factors related to NABs as a secondary aim were considered in this review. Keywords combined using Boolean operators and searches were performed in international electronic databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Only studies in English were considered from the earliest to 1 March 2023. The analysis was performed using STATA software version 14. Finally, 29 articles were retrieved for the quantitative analysis. Results found that the prevalence of child abuse, suspected abuse, neglect, ‘child abuse or suspect abused’, and ‘abuse, suspect abused, or neglect’ was 6% (ES: 0.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05-0.07), 12% (ES: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.09-0.15), 21% (ES: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07-0.35), 8% (ES: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.07-0.09), and 15% (ES: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.13-0.16) among burns victims, respectively. Also, factors related to NABs are categorised into age and gender, agent and area of burns, and family features. Considering the results of the current study, planning for rapid diagnosis and designing a process to manage NABs in children is necessary.     

Burn first aid knowledge in Germany and the influences of social-economic factors

BackgroundOptimal management of burns always starts with the first aid. Results of numerous studies carried out in different countries indicated in general a low awareness of first aid of burns irrespective of whether the income of the country was high, middle or low. The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge in burn first aid in Germany and compare it to an Australian study from 2013.MethodsFrom January 2016 until August 2017 patients, visitors and medical personnel in the emergency room of two large hospitals in Southern and the Western part of Germany were asked to take part in a paper based multiple-choice survey.ResultsAltogether 1229 people took part in the questionnaire, 588 from Bavaria and 641 from North Rhine-Westphalia; 45,2% males and 54.8% females. Their age ranged from 19 to 52 with a mean of 37.2 years. Hereby participants that had taken part in first aid training and people working in health care had significant more correct answers. Overall, only approximately a third of the given answers were correct.ConclusionOur study suggests that there is room for improvement since only a minority of the German population is familiar with first aid principles dealing with burns. Although more than 40% had taken part in a first aid training, the questioned people gave less correct answers than the Australians in 2013.     

How much do parents know about first aid for burns?

Background

Prompt first aid reduces burn morbidity. With an estimated 19,000 children attending emergency departments (ED) with a burn or scald every year in the UK, a parent's knowledge of first aid is particularly important. This study evaluates the extent and source of this knowledge.

Methods

Parents attending the emergency and antenatal departments of a University Hospital answered a structured questionnaire detailing demographics, knowledge of burns first aid and its source. Knowledge was stratified into 4 categories: contraindicated, poor, inadequate and adequate. Individual chi-squared tests and ordered logistic regressions were performed to relate knowledge to demographic features.

Results

The 106 respondents (44% men) reflected a wide range of socio-economic (SE) grouping and educational level. Overall 32% had an adequate knowledge of burns first aid while 43% had poor or no knowledge. There was no significant correlation between gender, educational status or age and knowledge; however those from higher SE groups (p < 0.05) and those who had undergone first aid training (p < 0.01) had greater knowledge. Among 40% of parents who had undergone first aid training, 74% had adequate knowledge. The logistic regression accounting for all significant variables showed that previous first aid training was the most influential factor in knowledge of first aid (p < 0.001). Interestingly, although 2/3 of parents wanted further training, 75% of those who did not had poor or no first-aid knowledge.

Conclusions

Overall, the knowledge of burns first aid among parents is inadequate and correlates with lower SE groups. There was a significant association between knowledge and previous first aid training. Results suggest that targeting burns first aid training to all new parents, particularly those in low income households, would be of value.     

Interferon-gamma release assays for tuberculosis screening of healthcare workers: a systematic review

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of exposure to tuberculosis (TB). Traditionally, screening for latent TB infection (LTBI) is done using the tuberculin skin test (TST). Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) are now increasingly being used for diagnosis of LTBI, but their role in HCW screening is unclear. A systematic review was conducted of all IGRA studies in HCWs to summarise their performance in cross-sectional and serial testing settings. By searching four electronic databases and other sources, all available studies using any one of the commercial IGRA assays in HCWs were retrieved and screened. 50 unique studies were identified which met the inclusion criteria including five from high TB incidence settings. Among 24 cross-sectional studies in low TB incidence settings, the pooled prevalence of positive IGRA using either test was significantly lower than for a positive TST. However, in high-incidence settings (n=2) there were no consistent differences in the prevalence of positive tests. IGRAs showed good correlation with occupational risk factors for TB exposure in low-incidence settings. Only 10 studies assessed use of IGRA for serial testing and all showed large variation in the rates of conversions and reversions, with no data suggesting that IGRAs are better at identifying the incidence of new TB infection than the TST. The use of IGRAs instead of TST for one-time screening may result in a lower prevalence of positive tests and fewer HCWs who require LTBI treatment, particularly in low TB incidence settings. However, the use of IGRAs for serial testing is complicated by lack of data on optimum cut-offs for serial testing and unclear interpretation and prognosis of conversions and reversions. Further longitudinal research will be required to inform guidelines on serial testing using IGRAs.     

Understanding the meaning of trauma-informed care for burns health care professionals in a pediatric hospital: A qualitative study using interpretive phenomenological analysis

BackgroundTrauma-informed care includes a range of practices that build a culture of safety, empowerment, and healing. Limited information is available regarding the lived experience of trauma-informed care by healthcare professionals treating burns in a multidisciplinary setting.ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to understand what ‘trauma-informed care’ means to staff and students working in burns at a tertiary pediatric hospital.MethodsSemi-structured interviews and focus group were conducted with healthcare professionals (medical, nursing, allied health, pre-graduate students) working in paediatric burn care (or their line manager). Analysis of the dataset was undertaken using qualitative methods (interpretive phenomenological approach and qualitative content analysis).ResultsEleven interviews and one focus group were completed and transcribed verbatim. Three superordinate themes were applicable across the five cohorts: ‘what does trauma-informed care mean?’, ‘being able to deliver trauma-informed care’ (agency) and ‘impact of the setting’. Eleven components of trauma-informed care practice (for example, everyday interactions with patients and colleagues, screening and assessment) and service-level approaches (for example, service provider training) were described by participants.ConclusionsHealthcare professionals’ experiences of delivering trauma-informed care in a burns centre highlighted the need to clarify the concept of ‘trauma-informed care’ as a first step. Enabling the workforce to understand trauma-informed care and apply it in everyday interactions with patients and colleagues, and a strategic commitment to practice change needs to be actioned more systematically to support implementation of a trauma-informed care approach in pediatric health services.     

Focused echocardiography: a systematic review of diagnostic and clinical decision‐making in anaesthesia and critical care

Focused echocardiography is becoming a widely used tool to aid clinical assessment by anaesthetists and critical care physicians. At the present time, most physicians are not yet trained in focused echocardiography or believe that it may result in adverse outcomes by delaying, or otherwise interfering with, time‐critical patient management. We performed a systematic review of electronic databases on the topic of focused echocardiography in anaesthesia and critical care. We found 18 full text articles, which consistently reported that focused echocardiography may be used to identify or exclude previously unrecognised or suspected cardiac abnormalities, resulting in frequent important changes to patient management. However, most of the articles were observational studies with inherent design flaws. Thirteen prospective studies, including two that measured patient outcome, were supportive of focused echocardiography, whereas five retrospective cohort studies, including three outcome studies, did not support focused echocardiography. There is an urgent requirement for randomised controlled trials.