Developing an instrument to assess physician knowledge of initial care for burn patients

Abstract

IntroductionBurns are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries, such as Brazil, because there are no routine prevention programs, a lack of adequate legislation and supervision, and care quality in the acute phase is precarious. In most cases, initial care for burn patients is provided by emergency services without specialized personnel, which leaves the majority of cases to general practitioners who have no specific training in initial burn care, which can lead to worse prognoses and outcomes. ObjectiveTo develop an instrument to assess physician knowledge of initial care for burn patients. MethodsThis primary quantitative study used the Delphi technique, which involves consensus from a panel of expert panel, as a methodological reference. The instrument was based on information provided in the Ministry of Health’s booklet on emergency burn treatment, and an agreement index of 80% was required for item inclusion. ResultsAfter 3 Delphi phases, the instrument was approved by the panel with an agreement index of 100%. ConclusionAlthough the instrument was finalized, other psychometric properties must still be assessed to further determine its validity and reliability.