Burn center function during the COVID-19 pandemic: An international multi-center report of strategy and experience

Abstract

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CO V2 responsible for COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly escalating across the globe. Burn centers gearing for the pandemic must strike a balance between contributing to the pandemic response and preserving ongoing burn care in a safe and ethical fashion. The authors of the present communication represent seven burn centers from China, Singapore, Japan, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US). Each center is located at a different point along the pandemic curve and serves different patient populations within their healthcare systems. We review our experience with the virus to date, our strategic approach to burn center function under these circumstances, and lessons learned. The purpose of this communication is to share experiences that will assist with continued preparations to help burn centers advocate for optimum burn care and overcome challenges as this pandemic continues.

Keywords: Austere conditions; Burn surgery; COVID-19; Critical care; SARS-COV2.

Fig. 1

The centers are located across the full range of the surge timeline.

Fig. 2

New COVID-19 cases: China.

Fig. 3

Shanghai Ruijin Burn Hospital Screening Algorithm.

Fig. 4

COVID-19 in Chongqing, China.

Fig. 5

New COVID-19 cases: Singapore.

Fig. 6

New COVID-19 cases: Japan.

Fig. 7

The numbers of COVID-19 individuals in the West Midland Region.

Fig. 8

Evolution of admitted cases at the Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus.

Fig. 9

New COVID-19 cases: Spain.

Fig. 10

New COVID-19 cases: Italy.

Fig. 11

New COVID-19 cases: USA.

Fig. 12

COVID-19 cases: Iowa.