Citation

Griffiths HR, Thornton KL, Clements CM, Burge TS, Kay AR, Young AE. Burns 2006; 32(3): 372-374.

Affiliation

South West Regional Burns and Plastic Surgery Service, Department of Anaesthesia, Frenchay Hospital, Frenchay, Bristol BS16 1LE, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.burns.2005.10.025

PMID

16527419

Abstract

Approximately 6400 children per year are admitted to UK hospitals for treatment of burns [National Burn Care Review Committee Report (NBCRC). Standards and Strategy for Burn Care: a review of burn care in the British Isles. 2001.]. This paper investigates the financial costs involved in the management of uncomplicated, minor paediatric scalds. Three cases (2-4% TBSA scalds) were studied to quantify consumables used, services required during management and costs obtained from appropriate Purchasing Departments and Directorate Accountants. Management in all cases involved a general anaesthetic for cleaning of wounds, application of BioBrane((R)) (Bertek Pharmaceuticals) and dressings, observation on Children's Ward and discharge following wound review at 48h. The calculated mean average cost per case was pound1850. In the period 01/12/2002-30/11/2003, 144 children were admitted to Frenchay hospital, Bristol, for treatment of a minor burn or scald (less than 10%TBSA). This caseload is therefore estimated to currently cost pound 266,400 per year. These findings may facilitate improved planning for future resource allocation and could also contribute evidence towards the cost effectiveness of prevention strategies.