Issues to address in burn care for ethnic minority children: a qualitative study of the experiences of health care staff

Abstract

Introduction: Numerous studies have shown that ethnic minority children in the developed world are at greater risk of sustaining burns compared to children from non-ethnic minority backgrounds. However, little is known about the experiences of hospital health care staff with ethnic minority children and parents. A qualitative interview study was conducted to gain more insight into burn care for ethnic minority children and the potential challenges this presents.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews on burn care for ethnic minority children were conducted in 2009 with health care staff (N=17) working in two burn centers in the Netherlands. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a framework method.

Results: Health care staff identified the following issues in burn care for ethnic minority children and their parents: (1) linguistic barriers to communication with parents about pressure garments, dressing changes, skin grafting procedures, and psychosocial support; (2) biological/genetic features of differing pigmentation of skin and skin healing; (3) cultural differences between parents and health care staff; (4) insecurity or irritation about linguistic and cultural barriers.

Conclusions: Burn health care staff should have knowledge of biological/genetic features of dark skin, awareness of cultural differences, and transcultural communication skills to deliver culturally competent care tailored to the needs of ethnic minority children and their parents.