Knowledge of health professionals concerning initial in-hospital care for burn victims

Abstract

OBJECTIVE  Describe the knowledge of health professionals in relation to initial in-hospital care for burn victims.

METHOD  Descriptive study, with a qualitative approach, conducted in three units that provide urgent and emergency care, in a city in the state of Minas Gerais. The data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously from September to October 2017. The audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews were transcribed in whole and underwent a deductive content analysis.

RESULTS  Thirty-one health professionals, including physicians, physical therapists and nursing professionals, participated in the study. Three categories were created: “Experience with burns”, “Knowledge of care protocols”, and “Transformation of knowledge”.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS  Even though the professionals had professional, personal or academic knowledge or experience in caring for burn victims, most of them had basic, inadequate or no knowledge in this area. It is hoped that the findings of this study will help lay the foundation for capacity-building initiatives for these professionals.

Keywords:
Burns; Knowledge; Health personnel; Nursing; Emergencies.