The current state of undergraduate burn training within the UK: a national collaborative study

• Published in: European journal of plastic surgery 2024-02, Vol.47 (1), Article 28
• Main Authors: Rehman, Umar, Kungwengwe, Garikai, Whiteman, Elena, Markeson, Daniel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Paper; Plastic Surgery
• ISSN: 1435-0130; 1435-0130
• DOI: 10.1007/s00238-024-02169-2

Background In the UK, it is estimated that there are 250,000 burn injuries each year. Appropriate management of burns requires targeted education for physicians managing burns within emergency units, primary care, and specialised hospital units. Prior research has shown a deficit in exposure to plastic surgery and burn-related teaching during undergraduate studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of undergraduate knowledge, confidence, and teaching in burns within multiple cohorts of penultimate and final-year medical students based across medical schools within the UK. Methods We utilised a validated online questionnaire, disseminated to medical students in their penultimate and final years, via the UK Plastics Research Collaborative’s local university leads, employing a well-known survey platform (Google Forms). Results Out of the 950 responses received from 10 medical schools, 34% ( n  = 323) reported no burn-related instruction until the current academic year. Overall, 63.8% of students were not confident in assessing total body surface burns, 57.3% were not confident in initiating burn first aid management, and 69.5% were not confident in calculating fluid requirements for resuscitation. Moreover, 84.2% felt that they had not received adequate teaching in burns during their undergraduate training. Conclusions This study demonstrates a lack of undergraduate exposure, teaching, and confidence in the basics of burn assessment and management. It calls for enhanced training at the undergraduate level, potentially incorporating simulation training to boost confidence in burn management. Level of evidence: Not ratable.