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Multidisciplinary Nature of Burn Care
Caroline E. Kettering, BS
Francesco M. Egro, MBChB MSc MRCS
Guy M. Stofman, MD FACS
Alain C. Corcos, MD FACS
Jenny Ziembicki, MD FACS
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
2020-01-27
Presenter: Caroline Kettering
Affidavit:
This study is the original work of the authors.
Director Name: Vu T. Nguyen
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Background: Burn care is a complex craft that requires a multidisciplinary approach. It includes a diverse array of specialty providers in order to provide holistic, specialized care to burn victims. This cross-sectional study evaluates the diverse array of subspecialties that are involved in burn care.
Methods: In July 2019, a cross-sectional analysis evaluating the multidisciplinary nature of burn care was performed. Burn care providers included were American Burn Association (ABA) and International Society of Burn Injuries (ISBI) current governance and committee members. Additionally, editors of 5 major burn journals were included. Information gathered included occupation, advanced degrees obtained, and type of residency training, if applicable.
Results: Of 384 editorial board members identified, 76% were physicians (n=291), with specialties including surgery (n=208, 54%), anesthesiology (n=22, 6%), and dermatology (n=6, 2%). Among non-physicians (n=78, 20%), 76% were medical researchers (n=59), 8% physical therapists (n=6), and 5% nurses (n=4). Looking at ABA and ISBI governance (n=30), 80% were physicians (n=24). Non-physician ABA and ISBI leaders were nurses (n=2, 7%), occupational therapists (n=2, 7%), and social workers (n=1, 3%). Of 468 identified ABA and ISBI committee members, only half were physicians (n=244, 52%), specializing in surgery (n=228, 49%), physical medicine and rehabilitation (n=10, 2%), and internal medicine (n=3, 1%). There was a wide array of non-physician occupations among committee members, from nurses (n=99, 21%), to occupational therapists (n=25, 5%), and even fire fighters (n=6, 1%).
Discussion/Conclusion: There is a wide variety of subspecialties involved in the treatment of burn victims.
