WHASA consensus document on the management of acute burns

  • Alan Rogers
  • Maria Giaquinto-Cilliers
  • Alan Widgerow
  • Hiske Smart
  • Saleigh Adams
  • L Delectic
  • L Wilson-Chandler
  • A Muganza
  • T Muganza
  • H Rode
  • C Reyes-Gloria
  • B Bouwer
  • P Seechoonparsad
  • B Innes
Keywords: WHASA consensus document, management acute burns

Abstract

Burns are among the most common and devastating forms of trauma. Increased morbidity and mortality accompany thermal injury, and survival is dependent on the correct assessment and management. Although acute treatment regimens and dressing selection have evolved to improve outcomes, deep burn injuries often leave patients with considerable cosmetic and functional disabilities, which may lead to a lifetime of challenges. Patients with major burns should be referred to a burn unit or multidisciplinary centre where the primary objective is to care for burn patients and to optimise their outcomes. Such centres comprise teams of specialist burn surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers and nursing staff, as well as other consultants, who all strive to obtain rapid wound closure and return burn survivors to a functional and well adapted life.

Author Biographies

Alan Rogers
MD
Maria Giaquinto-Cilliers
MD
Alan Widgerow
MD
Hiske Smart
RN
Saleigh Adams
MD
L Delectic
RN
L Wilson-Chandler
RN
A Muganza
MD
T Muganza
RN
H Rode
MD
Section
Wound care/Stoma care