It is estimated that one million children in the United States experience burn injuries each year. Of these children, 10% will require hospitalization, and 3000 die from these injuries. Less is known, however, regarding the number of burns that present to the primary care physician and are not referred to the emergency department. A survey was sent to all pediatricians and family physicians practicing in Erie County, which includes and surrounds Buffalo, New York. Of 254 surveys, 94 were returned, for a response rate of 34%. Over 50% of the physicians reported that at least one child presents with a burn each month. In addition, over 50% report that these patients can be managed from their offices greater than 75% of the time. While the referral patterns to emergency departments were generally in accordance with the recommendations of the American Burn Association, 6% of respondents reported that they would never refer a child to the emergency department if a burn covered greater than 10% of total body surface area. Sixty-six percent requested continuing education regarding thermal injuries, and 79% requested literature on burns to be placed in his/her office. While burns do not represent a large proportion of a primary care physician's practice, they are primarily managed in the office setting. Appropriate information needs to be provided not only for burn prevention and treatment, but also to assure appropriate referrals to emergency departments and trauma units.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the number of thermal injuries which are seen in primary care that do not require emergency department referral. 2. Identify areas in which continuing education on the topic of burns for primary care physicians is needed
Keywords: Burns, Primary Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.