Evaluation of a pediatric scald burn clinical pathway.

Scald burns make up more than 75% of the pediatric burns patients who are admitted to our burns unit. A pediatric scald burn pathway was implemented at our center in November 1999, the aim of which was to improve consistency in the management of the acute phase of injury. This study assessed the effectiveness of the first 18 months of this scald burn pathway. Aspects of the management of pediatric scald burn patients were reviewed. This included all the patients admitted over a 6-month period 1 year before the implementation of the pathway and the first 6 months and between 12 and 18 months after the implementation of the pathway. Data collected included patient demographics, total body surface area burned, and key management guidelines, including nasogastric feeding, intravenous cannulation, analgesia prescription, multidisciplinary referrals, and family education Thirty-seven patients were enrolled in the first 6 months of the pathway's use. Between 12 and 18 months, a further 38 patients were enrolled. The patients within the three groups were similar in age and burn size. A comparison among the groups with respect to compliance with the treatment guidelines is presented graphically. In conclusion, the management of pediatric scald burns in the acute phase is more consistent since the implementation of the clinical pathway.