Transfers from emergency room to burn center: errors in burn size estimate

J Trauma. 1987 Oct;27(10):1161-5. doi: 10.1097/00005373-198710000-00011.

Abstract

Errors in estimation of burn size are commonplace in community hospital emergency rooms. In 24 of 132 transfers to a burn center the extent of injury was overestimated at the transferring emergency room by 100% or more. This incorrect burn size estimation seems related to reliance on guesswork or use of the Rule of Nines. The incidence of error is greater in smaller burns.

MeSH terms

  • Body Surface Area
  • Burn Units*
  • Burns / pathology*
  • Diagnostic Errors
  • Emergency Service, Hospital*
  • Florida
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units*
  • Patient Transfer*