Thermomechanical Combination Injuries: A Rare But Life-Threatening Entity.

Thermomechanical combination injuries (TMCIs) are feared for their demanding preclinical and clinical management and bear the risk of high mortality compared to the single injury of a severe burn or multiple trauma. There remains a significant lack of standardized algorithms for diagnostics and therapy of this rare entity. The objective of the present study was to profile TMCI aiming at standardized procedures. In this study, TMCIs were extracted from our burn database of a level 1 burn and trauma center. From 2004 to 2017, all patients with TMCI were retrospectively analyzed. Further inclusion criteria were multiple trauma accompanied by burn with ≥10% TBSA. Patient and injury characteristics including injury severity score and outcome parameter were analyzed. A total of 45 patients matched the selective inclusion criteria of TMCI, comprising 4% of all burn injuries during the period. The average age was 38 years (range: 14-86), with a mean TBSA of 43% (range: 10-97%). The mean recorded temperature at admission was 34.8°C (range: 29.6-37.1) with 2215 ml volume of resuscitation fluids (range: 500-8000) administered preclinically in total. The mean injury severity score was 16. The overall mortality rate was 22%. TMCIs are rare and life-threatening events that require highly qualified management in combined level 1 trauma and burn centers to address both burn and trauma treatment. The multiple injury pattern is diverse, complicating standardized management in view of burn care-specific measures, as normothermia and restrictive volume management. The present study reveals further profiles and underlines the need for addressing TMCIs in ABLS®, ATLS®, and PHTLS® programs.

Early hypothermia as risk factor in severely burned patients: A retrospective outcome study.

INTRODUCTION: Burn trauma-related hypothermia is a frequent observation but risk factors and impact on patient related outcome are ambiguously reported. It is expected that hypothermia is associated with increased mortality and reduced overall outcome in severely burned patients, but available evidence is limited. METHODS: This retrospective single-center-study reviewed preclinical service protocols and medical records of patients sustaining a burn with a total body surface area (TBSA) ≥15% from 2008 to 2012. General patient and burn specific characteristics, outcome parameters as well as body temperature at admission measured via urine catheter or nasal temperature probe were recorded and statistically analyzed comparing normothermic (≥36 °C), mild hypothermic (<36 °C) and severely hypothermic (<34.5 °C) patients. Chi-square test was performed to demonstrate impact of hypothermia on primary outcome parameters and to reveal risk factors for developing hypothermia. To assess independent influences on mortality, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Out of 300 patients matching inclusion criteria, a sufficient record of temperature was found in 144 patients (48%). Out of 141 eligible patients with an average burn extent (SD) of 33.38% (24.5%) TBSA, 31.9% (n = 45) suffered from severe hypothermia (<34.5 °C) and 28.4% (n = 40) showed mild hypothermia. Total burn extent, presence of full thickness burns, presence of inhalation injury, preclinical mechanical ventilation and administration of sedative drugs were risk factors for developing hypothermia. Patients' age, total burn extent and presence of full thickness burns could be identified as independent factor for mortality. Although a trend towards an independent positive influence of normothermia at admission on mortality was seen, it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Incidental hypothermia of burned patients is associated with an increased mortality and needs to be addressed by emergency health care providers and immediately at the burn center. Especially patients with extensive burns, full-thickness burns, inhalation injury or patients undergoing preclinical intubation are at risk for hypothermia and benefit from any measures for temperature preserving.

Heidelberger Interprofessionelle Ausbildungsstation (HIPSTA): a practice- and theory-guided approach to development and implementation of Germany's first interprofessional training ward.

Background: Deficits in care and impaired patient-safety have been linked to inefficient interprofessional collaborative practice. Interprofessional training wards (IPTW) are an interprofessional educational intervention which aim to enable students and trainees from different health professions to work self-responsibly in order to manage the medical treatment and rehabilitation of real-life patients together as an interprofessional team. We aimed to develop and implement Germany´s first IPTW at the department of Surgery at Heidelberg University Hospital. Methods: The Kern cycle was used to develop an ITPW curriculum. Practical as well as theoretical considerations guided the design of the IPTW. Common project management tools including blueprinting and RASCI (Responsibility, Approval, Support, Consultation, Information) matrix were applied. Results: Since April 2017, 7 cohorts of students and trainees have had four-week long placements on HIPSTA. They run the IPTW in early and late shifts. Nursing and medical facilitators are supporting the IP team as needed. Learning objectives are operationalized as EPAs (entrustable professional activities) and interprofessional learning goals. Since initiation only minor modifications to the curriculum have been necessary and satisfaction of students/trainees, facilitators and patients is high. Conclusion: IPTWs can be established and run in the German health care system even in a complex clinical setting. The early involvement of all professions in a steering group seems to be key to success. Nursing and medical facilitators are of utmost importance for daily routine. The experiences outlined here could help others aiming to implement IPTWs at their sites. IPTWs might address a number of hitherto unaddressed educational needs. Trial registration: Not applicable.