In view of standardization: Comparison and analysis of initial management of severely burned patients in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

• Twenty-one level one burn centers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland were surveyed.
• Organization and management of burn trauma admissions were evaluated.
• Most burn centers use an individual standard operating procedure for admission.
• There is a lack of standardization in burn centers across German speaking countries.
• Standardized guidelines for burn care have to be developed to improve quality of care.

IntroductionInitial treatment of severely injured patients in German speaking trauma centers follows precise sequences. Several guidelines and training courses ensure a constant quality in providing evidence-based treatment for these patients.Similar standards, algorithms and guidelines for the treatment of severely burned patients are lacking. This raises the question about the current standard of care for burn victims in German speaking burn centers. In order to achieve standardization, as a first step this study surveys principles of burn room organization and management in these burn centers.Material and methodsA questionnaire including 40 questions regarding burn room organization, personnel structure and qualification, infrastructural conditions and quality management was developed and sent to 21 level one burn centers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.ResultsThe rate of returned questionnaires was 81%. The analysis revealed varying personnel and infrastructural conditions in participating burn centers. Indications for admission to the burn room and admission procedures itself are different throughout surveyed hospitals. Individual standard operating procedure (SOP) for burn trauma admissions was available in most burn centers and nearly all participants register their burn trauma cases using an in-house burn register.ConclusionThe survey suggests a lack of standardization in personnel structure, infrastructure and treatment approach for the initial clinical care of severely burned patients in burn centers across the German speaking countries. Further evaluation of existing protocols and international standards in burn care is inevitable to develop standardized guidelines for burn care and to improve quality of care.