Burn Care Strategies and Precautions in the Care of 698 Burn Patients During the 15-Month COVID-19 Period in Our Burn Center

Abstract

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was detected for the first time in China and quickly spread globally. Because of its high contagiousness, disruptions occurred in the activities of many health care providers. However, a delay of care for patients with burn injuries is unacceptable. Here, we assessed our burn care strategies and precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since the start of the pandemic in our country and up to now (March 2020 to August 2021), we have successfully treated 698 patients with burn injuries. We created a 3-degree protection protocol. We also isolated patients who were diagnosed or suspected of having COVID-19 by reducing the number of beds. RESULTS: Of 698 burn patients, 411 were male and 287 were female patients. There were 452 adult and 246 pediatric patients, with 591 of total patients treated as outpatients and 107 who were hospitalized. The patients were mostly injured by scalding burns. Mean total burn surface area of hospitalized patients was 26.2% in adult patients and 9.8% in pediatric patients. We diagnosed only 2 patients with COVID-19. Both patients were successfully treated and discharged. CONCLUSIONS: If burn centers create protection protocols, disruptions can be minimized so that necessary and successfully care to burn patients is provided, even during pandemic periods.