People with short symptom duration of knee osteoarthritis benefit more from exercise therapy than people with longer symptom duration: An individual participant data meta-analysis from the OA trial bank.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether duration of knee symptoms influenced the magnitude of the effect of exercise therapy compared to non-exercise control interventions on pain and physical function in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHOD: We undertook an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis utilising IPD stored within the OA Trial Bank from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing exercise to non-exercise control interventions among people with knee OA. IPD from RCTs were analysed to determine the treatment effect by considering both study-level and individual-level covariates in the multilevel regression model. To estimate the interaction effect (i.e., treatment x duration of symptoms (dichotomised)), on self-reported pain or physical function (standardised to 0-100 scale), a one-stage multilevel regression model was applied. RESULTS: We included IPD from 1767 participants with knee OA from 10 RCTs. Significant interaction effects between the study arm and symptom duration (≤1 year vs >1 year, and ≤2 years vs>2 years) were found for short- (~3 months) (Mean Difference (MD) -3.57, 95%CI -6.76 to -0.38 and -4.12, 95% CI-6.58 to -1.66, respectively) and long-term (~12 months) pain outcomes (MD -8.33, 95%CI -12.51 to -4.15 and -8.00, 95%CI -11.21 to -4.80, respectively), and long-term function outcomes (MD -5.46, 95%CI -9.22 to -1.70 and -4.56 95%CI -7.33 to-1.80, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This IPD meta-analysis demonstrated that people with a relatively short symptom duration benefit more from therapeutic exercise than those with a longer symptom duration. Therefore, there seems to be a window of opportunity to target therapeutic exercise in knee OA.

Exploring the relation between the EQ-5D-5L pain/discomfort and pain and itching in a sample of burn patients.

BACKGROUND: The EQ-5D domain pain/discomfort (PD) uses one item to capture pain and other aspects of discomfort, like itching. This study explored how pain, itching and the EQ-5D-5L PD domain relate to each other in a sample of burn patients. METHODS: Adult burn patients completed the EQ-5D-5L and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) 5-7 years after sustaining their injury. The POSAS includes a separate pain and an itching item. Spearman's correlation coefficient established the association between the EQ-5D-5L PD and the POSAS pain and itching item. With multivariable regression analysis the linear association between the POSAS pain and itching item and EQ-5D-5L PD domain was tested. RESULTS: Data from 245 patients were included. Mean EQ-5D-5L index value was 0.87 and 39.2% reported at least slight problems on the EQ-5D-5L PD domain. Most patients gave corresponding answers on the EQ-5D-5L PD domain and on the POSAS pain (73%) and itching (70%) item. Spearman correlation coefficients of the EQ-5D-5L PD domain with the POSAS pain and itching were 0.468 (p < 0.001) and 0.473 (p < 0.001), respectively. Among respondents with pain and without itching and respondents with itching and without pain, Spearman correlation coefficients were 0.585 (p = 0.076) and 0.408 (p = 0.001), respectively. POSAS pain (unstandardized Beta = 0.14) and POSAS itching (unstandardized Beta = 0.08) were significantly associated with EQ-5D-5L PD domain (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that, in a sample of burn patients, pain and itching are captured by the broader EQ-5D-5L PD domain. The EQ-5D-5L PD domain can thus be used to assess pain and itching in relation to HRQL, but the POSAS pain and itching items are more sensitive. The EQ-5D-5L is, however, no replacement of the POSAS when the POSAS is used for its primary aim; assessment of scar quality. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register (NTR6407).

Indications and Predictors for Reconstructive Surgery After Hand Burns.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence, indications, and type of reconstructive surgery and predictors of the outcomes of reconstructive surgery after hand burns. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted that included all patients admitted with acute hand burns in the Dutch burn centers from January 1998 through December 2002. The details of reconstruction including frequency, timing, indication, and techniques were collected over a 10-year follow-up period. RESULTS: Hand burns were seen in 42% (n = 562 of 1,334) of all patients admitted with acute burns. Reconstructive surgery during the 10-year follow-up period was required in 15%. Contractures, especially of the first web space and little finger, were the most frequent indications for reconstructive surgery. Web spaces 1 to 3 and the little finger were the location most frequently operated on. The most frequently performed surgical technique was release of the contractures and the use of a random flap. Eighty percent of the reconstructive surgery patients required more than 1 reconstructive procedure, most often within 2 years of the initial injury. Secondary operations at the same location were required in 12%. In 40% of the patients, the first reconstructive surgery was performed within the first postburn year. Significant independent factors related to the need for reconstructive hand surgery were a larger area of full-thickness burns and surgical treatment of the hand during the acute phase. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructive surgery was required in 15% of patients who sustained hand burns. The majority of the patients requiring reconstructive surgery of the hand needed 2 or more operations to correct the contractures of the hand. Contractures of the little finger and first web space were the locations most frequently operated on. Patients with more extensive burns and who required hand surgery during the acute phase were more likely to need reconstructive surgery. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Epidemiology and costs of patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis: a 27-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the importance of reporting the results and principles of management in Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) patients was underscored. Treatment of TEN focuses on supportive care, often provided in a burn centre setting. Mortality in TEN patients can be high; the SCORTEN score is a scoring system that predicts mortality in patients with TEN. The predictive value of the SCORTEN score in our setting is unclear, as are the treatment costs of TEN patients. OBJECTIVE: To describe patient characteristics, treatment, outcome and direct medical costs of patients with TEN treated in one Dutch burn centre in a 27-year period. In addition, determinants of mortality and the predictive value of the SCORTEN score were assessed. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in all patients with TEN (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and overlap SJS-TEN) admitted to the burn centre Rotterdam between January 1987 and December 2013. The discriminative value of the SCORTEN score was assessed by receiver-operator characteristics curve analysis. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients were admitted in 27-year period. Overall mortality was 39.7%, mortality in TEN patients (>30%TBSA) was 37.1%. A higher age (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.02-1.07) and comorbidity (OR = 4.25, 95%CI: 1.2-14.7) were associated with mortality. The discriminative value of the SCORTEN prediction model in our population was limited (AUC=0.72, 95%CI: 0.57-0.86). The mean direct medical hospital-based costs was €41.361. CONCLUSION: Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a severe adverse drug reaction, with a high mortality. Elderly patients and patients with comorbidity, especially circulatory comorbidity, have a relatively high risk of decease. The SCORTEN score, a frequently used prediction model in patients with TEN, underestimated the mortality in our study, mainly due to limited availability in patients with a good prognosis. The treatment of patient with TEN is associated with high direct medical hospital-based costs, also compared to burn patients in general.

Photographic assessment of burn size and depth: reliability and validity.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of using photographs of burns to assess both burn size and depth. METHOD: Fifty randomly selected photographs taken on day 0-1 post burn were assessed by seven burn experts and eight referring physicians. Inter-rater reliability in both groups (experts vs. referrers) was calculated. The validity of burn size assessment was calculated using live assessment as the gold standard, and of burn depth using clinical assessment in combination with laser Doppler imaging as the gold standard. The validity of the photographically-assessed indication for surgery was calculated using laser Doppler imaging and actual treatment as the gold standard. Finally, agreement in referral indication was calculated. RESULTS: Using photographs, burn size could be assessed reliably and validly by experts (ICCs of 0.83 and 0.87), but not by referrers (ICCs of 0.68 and 0.78). Photographic assessment of burn depth was neither reliable nor valid, with ICCs respectively of 0.38 and 0.28 for experts and 0.24 and 0.13 for referrers. The indication for surgery could also not be assessed validly. Agreement between assessors regarding referral indication was low. CONCLUSION: Burn size, but not burn depth, can be assessed reliably and validly by experts using photographs of the burn wound. We recommend exploring other forms of telemedicine, like live interactive video, to investigate whether this leads to an improved burn depth assessment where clinical assessment is not possible. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: There were no external sources of funding for this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare with regard to the manuscript or its content.

Outcomes that matter most to burn patients: A national multicentre survey study in the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: The use of patient-reported outcomes to improve burn care increases. Little is known on burn patients' views on what outcomes are most important, and about preferences regarding online Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). Therefore, this study assessed what outcomes matter most to patients, and gained insights into patient preferences towards the use of online PROMs. METHODS: Adult patients (≥18 years old), 3-36 months after injury completed a survey measuring importance of outcomes, separately for three time periods: during admission, short-term (<6 months) and long-term (6-24 months) after burn injury. Both open and closed-ended questions were used. Furthermore, preferences regarding the use of patient-reported outcome measures in burn care were queried. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients were included (response rate: 27%). 'Not having pain' and 'good wound healing' were identified as very important outcomes. Also, 'physical functioning at pre-injury level', 'being independent' and 'taking care of yourself' were considered very important outcomes. The top-ten of most important outcomes largely overlapped in all three time periods. Most patients (84%) had no problems with online questionnaires, and many (67%) indicated that it should take up to 15 minutes. Patients' opinions differed widely on the preferred frequency of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Not having pain and good wound healing were considered very important during the whole recovery of burns; in addition, physical functioning at pre-injury level, being independent, and taking care of yourself were deemed very important in the short and long-term. These outcomes are recommended to be used in burn care and research, although careful selection of outcomes remains crucial as patients prefer online questionnaires up to 15 minutes.

Development of a value-based healthcare burns core set for adult burn care.

BACKGROUND: Value-based healthcare (VBHC) is increasingly implemented in healthcare worldwide. Transparent measurement of the outcomes most important and relevant to patients is essential in VBHC, which is supported by a core set of most important quality indicators and outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a VBHC-burns core set for adult burn patients. METHODS: A three-round modified national Delphi study, including 44 outcomes and 24 quality indicators, was conducted to reach consensus among Dutch patients, burn care professionals and researchers. Items were rated on a nine-point Likert scale and selected if ≥ 70% in each group considered an item 'important'. Subsequently, instruments quantifying selected outcomes were identified based on a literature review and were chosen in a consensus meeting using recommendations from the Dutch consensus-based standard set and the Dutch Centre of Expertise on Health Disparities. Time assessment points were chosen to reflect the burn care and patient recovery process. Finally, the initial core set was evaluated in practice, leading to the adapted VBHC-burns core set. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients, 63 burn care professionals and 23 researchers participated. Ten outcomes and four quality indicators were selected in the Delphi study, including the outcomes pain, wound healing, physical activity, self-care, independence, return to work, depression, itching, scar flexibility and return to school. Quality indicators included shared decision-making (SDM), the number of patients receiving aftercare, determination of burn depth, and assessment of active range of motion. After evaluation of its use in clinical practice, the core set included all items except SDM, which are assessed by 9 patient-reported outcome instruments or measured in clinical care. Assessment time points included are at discharge, 2 weeks, 3 months, 12 months after discharge and annually afterwards. CONCLUSION: A VBHC-burns core set was developed, consisting of outcomes and quality indicators that are important to burn patients and burn care professionals. The VBHC-burns core set is now systemically monitored and analysed in Dutch burn care to improve care and patient relevant outcomes. As improving burn care and patient relevant outcomes is important worldwide, the developed VBHC-burns core set could be inspiring for other countries.

Facilitators & barriers and practices of early mobilization in critically ill burn patients: A survey.

BACKGROUND: Early mobilization (EM) of intensive care (IC) patients is important but complex with facilitators and barriers. Compared to general IC patients, burn IC patients are more hyper-metabolic. They have extensive wounds, lengthy wound dressing changes, and repeated surgeries that may affect possibilities of EM. This study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers of EM in burn IC patients among all disciplines involved. Additionally, we assessed EM practices, i.e. when are which patients considered suitable for EM. METHODS: A survey was sent to 139 professionals involved in EM of burn IC patients (discipline groups: Intensivists, medical doctors, registered nurses, therapists). RESULTS: Response rate was 57 %. The majority found EM very important, yet different definitions were chosen. Perceived barriers mainly concerned patient-level factors, most frequently hemodynamic instability and excessive sedation followed by skin graft surgery, fatigue, and pain management. Most frequent barriers at the provider-level were limited staffing, safety concerns, and conflicting perceptions about the suitability of EM. At the institutional-level, we found no high barriers. Interdisciplinary variation on perceived barriers, when to initiate it, and permitted maximal activity were ascertained. CONCLUSION: Skin grafts and pain management were barriers of EM specific for burn care. Opinions on frequency, dosage and duration of EM varied widely. Improving interdisciplinary communication is key.

The degree of joint range of motion limitations after burn injuries during recovery.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the degree of ROM limitations of extremities, joints and planes of motion after burns and its prevalence over time. METHOD: The database of a longitudinal multicenter cohort study in the Netherlands (2011-2012) was used. From patients with acute burns involving the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle joints that had surgery, ROM of 17 planes of motion was assessed by goniometry at 3, 6 weeks, 3-6-9 and 12 months after burns and at discharge. RESULTS: At 12 months after injury, 12 out of 17 planes of motion demonstrated persistent joint limitations. The five unlimited planes of motion were all of the lower extremity. The most severely limited joints at 12 months were the neck, ankle, wrist and shoulder. The lower extremity was more severely limited in the early phase of recovery whereas at 12 months the upper extremity was more severely limited. CONCLUSION: The degree of ROM limitations and prevalence varied over time between extremities, joints and planes of motion. This study showed which joints and planes of motion should be watched specifically concerning the development of scar contracture.

The added value of extending the EQ-5D-5L with an itching item for the assessment of health-related quality of life of burn patients: an explorative study.

INTRODUCTION: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is an important outcome in burn care and research. An advantage of a generic HRQL instrument, like the EQ-5D, is that it enables comparison of outcomes with other conditions and the general population. However, the downside is that it does not include burn specific domains, like scar issues or itching. Adding extra items to a generic instrument might overcome this issue. This study explored the potential and added value of extending the EQ-5D-5L with a burn-specific item, using a itching item as an example. METHODS: The EQ-5D-5L and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was completed by adult patients 5-7 years after injury. A separate POSAS itching item was used to study the added value of an itching item for the EQ-5D-5L. The EQ-5D-5L + Itching was created by adding the POSAS itching item to the EQ-5D-5L. Five psychometric properties were compared between EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D-5L + Itching: distribution (e.g. ceiling), informativity cf. Shannon's indices, convergent validity, dimension dependency, and explanatory power respectively. RESULTS: A total of 243 patients were included, of whom 49% reported any itching on the POSAS. Adding an itching item to the EQ-5D-5L decreased the ceiling effect, and resulted in increased absolute informativity (H' = 4.76 vs. H' = 3.64) and relative informativity (J' = 0.34 vs. J' = 0.31). The extra itching item decreased the convergent validity (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient = -0.51 vs. -0.59). Mutual dependency of dimensions existed, showing that all other items were dominant over the itching item. Adding the itching item to the standard EQ-5D-5L barely improved explanatory power (49.3% vs. 49.0%). CONCLUSIONS: PThe present study showed adding a burn-specific item to the EQ-5D-5L is possible and has potential. However, 5 to 7 years after injury, adding an itching item to the EQ-5D-5L provides little additional information; the gain in terms of added value is relatively small. Apart from instances where itching information is specifically needed, a strong case is not present for adding an itching item to the EQ-5D-5L for long-term (>5 yr after burns) HRQL assessment in burn patients. In early time periods after burn, the added value might be greater and we recommend exploring this potential in future studies, ideally on multiple timepoints after burn.

Doxepin cream is not effective in reducing itch in burn scar patients: A multicenter triple-blind randomized clinical crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of doxepin hydrochloride 5% cream on reducing pruritus in burn scar patients compared to a placebo cream. METHOD: We conducted a multicenter triple-blind randomized clinical placebo-controlled crossover trial in which burn patients ≥18 years with an itch intensity ≥3 on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were randomized between a doxepin-placebo or placebo-doxepin treatment protocol. Patients used each cream during two weeks with a wash-out period of one week in between. Primary outcome was change in itch intensity in two weeks' time using the VAS. Secondary outcome included the impact of itch (Burn Itch Questionnaire). Other parameters were the use of hydrating cream, silicon treatment, pressure garments, and other antipruritic medication. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were included. The change in itch intensity (VAS) was not different during the doxepin and placebo period (p=0.994); neither the doxepin cream nor placebo cream reduced itch intensity. However, based on the Burn Itch Questionnaire, we observed a statistically significant decrease in itch intensity and improvement in impact scores in both treatment groups, but no difference in the degree of reduction between the groups. CONCLUSION: Doxepin cream was not effective in reducing pruritus in our burn patient study population.

Nursing problems in patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome in a Dutch burn centre: A 30-year retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple studies have been published on toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnsen syndrome (SJS). Nursing care is an important part of the treatment of TEN patients. Unfortunately, limited information on nursing in TEN/SJS patients has been published in the current literature. Nursing research is needed to improve the complex nursing care required for these rare patients. Therefore, the objective was to assess nursing problems in TEN patients in a burn centre setting over a 30-year period. METHODS: The data for this study were gathered retrospectively from nursing records of all patients with TEN/SJS admitted to Burn Centre Rotterdam between January 1987 and December 2016. Dutch burn centres were recently accepted as expertise centres for TEN patients. Nursing problems were classified using the classification of nursing problems of the Dutch Nursing Society. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were admitted with SJS/TEN. Fifty-nine patient files were available. The most frequently reported nursing problems (>20% of the patients) were wounds, threatened or disrupted vital functions, dehydration or fluid imbalance, pain, secretion problems and fever. Furthermore, TEN-specific nursing problems were documented, including oral mucosal lesions and ocular problems. The highest number of concomitant nursing problems occurred during the period between days three and 20 after onset of the disease and varied by nursing problem. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequently reported nursing problems involved physical functions, especially on days three to 20 after onset of the disease. With this knowledge, we can start nursing interventions early in the treatment, address problems at the first sign and inform patients and their families or relatives of these issues early in the disease process. A next step to improve nursing care for TEN patients is to acquire knowledge on the optimal interventions for nursing problems.

A systematic review on surgical and nonsurgical debridement techniques of burn wounds.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a complete overview of all burn debridement techniques studied in recent literature and to find the best evidence with regard to efficiency and safety. METHOD: A systematic review was performed. Searches were conducted in electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Academic Search Premier. All studies published from 1990 onwards, on the efficiency and/or safety of burn debridement techniques in patients with thermal burn injuries of any age, were included. Primary outcomes were time to complete wound healing and time to complete debridement. Randomized trials were critically appraised. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies, including four randomized clinical trials, were included. Time to wound healing in the conventional tangential excision (seven studies), hydrosurgery (eight studies), enzymatic debridement (eleven studies), and shock waves group (one study) ranged from 13-30, 11-13, 19-33, and 16 days, respectively. Time to complete debridement ranged from 5-10, 4-23, and 1-9 days, respectively. Furthermore, secondary outcomes (including grafting, mortality, and scar quality) were compared between the debridement categories. CONCLUSION: Convincing evidence in favor of any of these techniques is currently lacking. Future studies regarding (new) debridement techniques need to use standardized and validated outcome measurement tools to allow improved standardization and comparisons across studies.

The prevalence and development of burn scar contractures: A prospective multicenter cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and development of after burn joint limitation by scar contracture. METHODS: In 2011-2012, consecutive patients were enrolled in this prospective multi center cohort study. Eligible were all patients admitted to the 2 participating Dutch Burn Centers with acute burns across or adjacent to the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. Passive range of motion was measured in week 3 and subsequently every 3 weeks until discharge, on discharge from the hospital and during follow-up at the outpatient clinic at 3-6-9-12 months after burn. RESULTS: Limited range of motion of non-operated burned joints (N = 195) was restored back to normal within 6-9 months. From the operated burned joints (N = 353), 58.6% demonstrated a limited range of motion at 3-6 weeks declining to 20.9% at 12 months. The upper part of the body was affected more often by scar contracture than the lower part. At 12 months, the shoulder was limited most often (51.3%) and the hip least often (0%). Reconstructive surgery was performed in 13.3% of the operated burned joints. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent joint limitations at 12 months were exclusively present in joints that needed skin grafting for rapid wound closure. The upper part of the body was more prone to contracture formation than the lower part, from which the shoulder was most often involved. More than half of the limited range of motion seen in the acute phase, resolved in the long term. The need for reconstructive surgery was less than expected.

Application of hydrosurgery for burn wound debridement: An 8-year cohort analysis.

INTRODUCTION: During the last decade, the Versajet™ hydrosurgery system has become popular as a tool for tangential excision in burn surgery. Although hydrosurgery is thought to be a more precise and controlled manner for burn debridement prior to skin grafting, burn specialists decide individually whether hydrosurgery should be applied in a specific patient or not. The aim of this study was to gain insight in which patients hydrosurgery is used in specialized burn care in the Netherlands. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in all patients admitted to a Dutch burn centre between 2009 and 2016. All patients with burns that underwent surgical debridement were included. Data were collected using the national Dutch Burn Repository R3. RESULTS: Data of 2113 eligible patients were assessed. These patients were treated with hydrosurgical debridement (23.9%), conventional debridement (47.7%) or a combination of these techniques (28.3%). Independent predictors for the use of hydrosurgery were a younger age, scalds, a larger percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) burned, head and neck burns and arm burns. Differences in surgical management and clinical outcome were found between the three groups. CONCLUSION: The use of hydrosurgery for burn wound debridement prior to skin grafting is substantial. Independent predictors for the use of hydrosurgery were mainly burn related and consisted of a younger age, scalds, a larger TBSA burned, and burns on irregularly contoured body areas. Randomized studies addressing scar quality are needed to open new perspectives on the potential benefits of hydrosurgical burn wound debridement.

Reliability and validity of the Manchester Triage System in a general emergency department patient population in the Netherlands: results of a simulation study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability and validity of the Manchester Triage System (MTS) in a general emergency department patient population. METHODS: A prospective evaluation study was conducted in two general hospitals in the Netherlands. Emergency department nurses from both hospitals triaged 50 patient vignettes into one of five triage categories in the MTS. Triage ratings were compared with the ratings of two Dutch MTS experts to measure inter-rater reliability. Nineteen days after triaging the patient vignettes, triage nurses were asked to rate the same vignettes again to measure test-retest reliability. Reliability in relation to the work experience of emergency department nurses was also studied. Validity was assessed by calculating percentages for overtriage, undertriage, sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability was "substantial" (weighted kappa 0.62 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.65)) and test-retest reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.75 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.77)). No significant association was found between the experience of emergency department nurses and the reliability score (kappa). Undertriage occurred more frequently than overtriage, especially in elderly patients (25.3% vs 7.6%). Sensitivity for urgent patients in the MTS was 53.2% and specificity was 95.1%. The patient vignettes representing children aged <16 years revealed a higher sensitivity (83.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Inter-rater reliability is "moderate" to "substantial" and test-retest reliability is high. The reliability of the MTS is not influenced by nurses' work experience. Undertriage mainly occurs in the MTS categories orange and yellow. The MTS is more sensitive for children who need immediate or urgent care than for other patients in the emergency department.

[Determining depth of burns using laser Doppler imaging]. / Brandwonddiepte bepalen met laser-Doppler-imaging.

Early accurate assessment of burn depth is important to determine the optimal treatment of burns (conservative versus surgery). Laser Doppler imaging (LDI) is a technique that allows accurate measurement of burn depth by measuring dermal perfusion. Although it has been demonstrated that LDI led to faster decisions as to whether or not to operate, this has not lead to shorter wound healing time or cost savings in Dutch burn care. LDI is used in all Dutch burn centres. In case of doubt about the depth of a burn in primary or secondary care, referral to a burn centre is advisable.