Reasons for the selection of burn-scar-support suppliers by burn centers in the United States: a survey.

Abstract

Several companies currently market anti-burn-scar pressure garments to burn centers. Because of the numerous available choices, decisions about the reasons for selecting a garment are often confusing to those who are responsible for ordering the supports. This study was conducted to assist in decision making about garment selection by determining the relative importance of various factors in selecting brands of anti-burn-scar supports. A survey questionnaire was sent to 101 randomly selected burn centers in the United States, asking about the reasons for their choice of pressure-support suppliers. Sixty-two survey (61%) respondents indicated factors used in selection of a manufacturer. The factors included ease of accessibility for orders (97%), ease of measurement methods (90%), reliability of fit with the first garment ordered (90%), ability to fashion either a nonstandard support (77%) or special options into a garment (76%), provision of measurement materials (65%), and costs of the support (63%). Availability of standard garment options (50%) and/or choice of colors (31%) were listed less frequently. Twenty-four burn centers (39%) use only one company for orders, whereas 20 (31%) use two, 9 (15%) use three, and 9 (15%) use four different suppliers. Industry responses to these findings were gathered and presented as well. The results of this survey would indicate that burn staff have viable options of pressure-garment suppliers to assist them in responding to the scar-control needs of their patients.