Aim:
The aim of this study is to analyse the demographic characteristics and injury profiles of paediatric patients from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB) attending Monash Health outpatient clinic for burns. This research seeks to identify disparities in burn care outcomes and access among NESB communities in Australia, with a focus on recent trends and developments.
Methods:
This retrospective study reviewed medical records of paediatric patients who attended the outpatient burns clinic from January 2018 to December 2023. The sample included children from NESB and English-speaking backgrounds (ESB) to allow for comparative analysis. Data collected included demographic information (age, gender, ethnicity, language spoken at home), injury details (cause, severity, location of burns, and first aid management), and treatment outcomes.
Results:
Preliminary findings indicate that NESB paediatric patients constitute a substantial proportion of the clinic's attendees. The data reveal notable differences in the demographics and injury profiles of NESB patients compared to their ESB counterparts. NESB children were more likely to experience burns from hot liquids and had a higher incidence of severe burns. Additionally, language barriers and socioeconomic factors were identified as significant challenges impacting treatment.
Summary:
The study highlights the need for community-based interventions for paediatric burns patients. Recommendations include enhancing multilingual resources, increasing community outreach, and providing cultural competency training for healthcare providers. By addressing these barriers, healthcare services can ensure equitable access to care and better health outcomes for NESB populations, ultimately adapting our system to be more inclusive and thriving burn management service.