Miss Melinda Pacquola1, Miss Melissa Neely1
1Alfred Hospital, MELBOURNE, Australia
Abstract:
Introduction:
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it many challenges in the field of healthcare around the world. This presentation explores the impact of COVID-19 on the Victorian Adult Burns Service.
Method:
Two 18 month time periods were examined.
- Pre COVID
- COVID period (April 2020 – Nov 2021)
Results
A 37% increase in patient admissions occurred during the COVID period, with a significant increase in scald and contact burn injuries. 115 Burn patients were admitted with 10-19% TBSA, further increasing workload due to their complexity, higher care needs and longer inpatient stays when compared to smaller burns.
Care requirements were frequently delayed during the COVID period due to hospital COVID guidelines, admission screens, awaiting surveillance swab results and delayed hospital admissions. Model of care changes saw COVID positive Burn patients admitted to designated COVID wards not the Burns ward. Patients felt isolated with the hospital adopting a ‘non visitor’ policy and those in precautions being barrier nursed behind closed doors.
To comply with social distancing, all meetings and Consultant rounds became virtual. Staff crossover was limited, decreasing interaction and creating a feeling of disconnect. Burns ward Registered Nurses were seconded to ICU and back filled with Enrolled Nurses and Student nurses diluting experience and skilled expertise. Workload, staff furlough and continual wearing of personal protective equipment all contributed to staff fatigue.
Conclusion:
This difficult period has taught us how important a well-resourced and functioning Burns Unit is and how we can be better prepared in the future.
Biography:
Mel is a Burns/ICU Liaison Nurse at the Victoria Adult Burns Service. She has 25 years experience caring for burns patients.