Developing a Pediatric Burn Treatment Program in a Community Hospital
Jennings, P.; Cullen, M.; Mark, R.; Meloche, M.Ellen.; Jaeger, S.; Lile, T.
Pediatric Nursing 41(5): 219-225
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 0097-9805 PMID: 26665421 Document Number: 680960
There are 120,000 pediatric burn injuries annually in the United States (Center for Research Injury and Policy [CRIP], 2010). Although many pediatric thermal injuries are not severe, referral to a burn unit for any burn regardless of depth, size, location, or severity is common. Many patients with smaller burns can be effectively managed in a community hospital, which allows children and their families to remain close to home, reducing costs and some stress associated with hospital stays. This article describes the process of creating a community pediatric burn care program at St. John Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and initial outcomes of the program.