Effects of targeted care using a risk warning model on burn site infection.

Introduction: Prevention and control of wound infection in burn patients is critical. This study aimed to establish an infection risk warning model based on the clinical characteristics of burn patients, by formulating targeted care programs according to the risk warning factors, and analyzing the effects of these programs on wound infection in burn patients.

Methodology: Data of 73 burn patients admitted to the hospital between 2020 and 2022 who underwent microbial culture examinations were analyzed. The patients were categorized into infected (50) and uninfected (23) groups. The infected group was further divided into nosocomial and out-of-hospital infections. The patients' clinical characteristics and their relationships with infection were analyzed. An infection risk warning model was established and targeted care programs were developed on the basis of these characteristics. In 2023, 50 patients were randomly assigned to routine care or targeted care groups, to assess the effects of targeted care on burn site infection with use of the risk warning model.

Results: Age, hypovolemic shock, and white blood cell counts were independent risk factors for wound infection in hospitalized patients with burn injuries. A degree III wound depth, hospitalization of ≥ 30 days, and duration from burn to first hospitalization of 3-72 hours were independent risk factors for nosocomial infection. Patients receiving targeted nursing care showed high wound healing efficiency, low nosocomial infection rates, and high satisfaction with nursing.

Conclusions: Use of an early warning model and implementing a targeted nursing program can effectively decrease infection risk in burn patients.