A/Prof. Bronwyn Griffin1, Dr Maleea Holbert1, Professor Fiona Wood5, Professor Andrew  Holland3, Professor Warwick Teague4, Ms Yvonne  Singer6, Professor Dianne  Crellin4, Professor  Roy Kimble1,2

1Griffith University, Nathan, Australia, 2Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia, 3Children’s Hospital, Westmead, Australia, 4Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Australia, 5Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Australia, 6Alfred Hospital, Albert Park, Australia

Abstract:

Introduction

Paediatric burn injuries are a leading cause of paediatric trauma in Australia, resulting in significant morbidity. Several early and new interventions have been shown to significantly improve clinical outcomes (including time to re-epithelialisation and grafting rates). With vast geographic and demographic challenges, paediatric burn clinicians are compelled to consider novel treatment approaches. The principal aim of this investigation is to define the various models of acute paediatric burn management across Australia and map them to facilitate ongoing clinical research collaborations.

Methods

A modified-Delphi technique will be used to survey paediatric burn experts and define various models of care for the treatment of acute paediatric burn injuries across Australia. The Delphi expert panel, consisting of burns clinicians from four Australian states, will participate in two rounds of questionnaires to review and priorities best practice statements for the acute management of paediatric burn injuries. Potential best practice statements will be identified using expert stakeholder focus group interviews – comprising of Directors and Head of Departments from the Burns Service, experienced nurses and allied health clinicians as well as key stakeholder researchers. Consensus will be set at ≤80%.

Results

Key stakeholders have been interviewed and set principles of acute paediatric burn care. Round one questionnaires have been distributed. A second round will ascertain consensus opinion of burns healthcare professionals from Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, experienced in the management of acute paediatric burn injuries.

Conclusion

With globalisation of health care it is increasingly pertinent to share and understand variances in clinical principles and practices. Results from this study will facilitate ongoing clinical and research collaborations.


Biography:

Dr Griffin is an Associate Professor with the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Griffith University and Queensland Children’s Hospital.   She has a passion for developing evidence for optimal acute paediatric burn treatments and translating that into routine care to avoid unnecessary sequelae.