Impact of the Early COVID-19 Pandemic on Burn Care: A Multi-National Study

Abstract

This qualitative study documents and analyzes COVID-19's impacts on burn care in twelve nations. Burn care saw valuable improvements in surgical techniques, skin grafting, and other acute treatments during the decades before the COVID-19 pandemic which increased severely burned patients' survival rates and quality of life. Detailed interviews, conducted in the 12 nations reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected the delivery of acute and rehabilitation services for burn patients. Resources have been suctioned away from non-COVID healthcare and burn care has not been spared. Acute, post-acute rehabilitation, and mental health services have all suffered. Weak preparation has deeply burdened health care services in most nations, resulting in lower access to care. Access problems have accelerated innovations like telehealth in many nations. The spread of misinformation through social and traditional media has contributed to the varied responses to COVID-19. This compounded problems in health care delivery. Burn care providers delivered services for survivors during extremely difficult circumstances by continuing to furnish acute and long-term services for patients with complex disease. Emphasis on future pandemic preparedness will be vital because they undermine all aspects of burn care and patient outcomes. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold around the world, it will be important to continue to monitor and analyze the adaptability of nations, health care systems, and burn care providers.