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RACS ASC 2025
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Burns Management in the Bush: An Audit of Outcomes and Challenges at Townsville University Hospital’s Plastic Surgery Unit
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Poster

Disciplines

Rural Surgery

Talk Description

Institution: Townsville University Hospital - Queensland, Australia

Background: Burns management in regional centres presents unique challenges, including limited access to specialized staff, wound care resources, and rehabilitation services. Effective treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach and, in some cases, transfers to tertiary burns centres. Auditing burns management in regional settings is crucial to identify gaps in care, improve resource allocation, and optimize patient outcomes. This audit reviews burns patients treated by the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery unit at Townsville University Hospital, focusing on demographics, treatment patterns, and outcomes. Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted over 29 months (November 2020–March 2023) using outpatient clinic data. Variables included demographics, burn characteristics (depth and total body surface area [TBSA]), surgical interventions, inpatient admissions, length of stay, outpatient follow-ups, and transfers. Results: Twenty-six burns patients were managed. The mean TBSA was 3.5% (range 0–20%). Burn depths included 2 superficial, 4 superficial-partial, 11 partial, 1 partial-full, and 7 full-thickness burns. Surgical intervention (debridement and grafting) was required in 7 cases (27%). Seven patients required admission (mean stay: 1 day). Four patients were transferred to or from tertiary burns centres. The average number of follow-ups was 3. No mortalities occurred. Discussion: Auditing regional burns management highlights strengths and gaps, emphasizing the need for improved training, resources, and specialist availability. Strengthening regional capacity can reduce reliance on tertiary centres, improve patient access to care, and decrease healthcare costs.
Presenters
Authors
Authors

Dr Emily Horan - , Dr Daphne Wang - , Dr Renae Bertucci - , Dr Atul Ingle -