INFLUENCE OF A CHANGED CARE ENVIRONMENT ON BACTERIAL-COLONIZATION OF BURN WOUNDS

This study investigated the infiuence of a conditioned rare environmen t per se on bacterial colonization of burn wounds. Two cohorts of burn patients were treated in the successive years 1992 and 1993, the firs t group in a (permanent) purpose-designed unit and the second in wards of traditional 'open' design, during renovation of the unit. Patients who were admitted to the permanent and temporary units numbered 224 a nd 231 respectively, the groups being similar in features that general ly influence the course and outcome of burn injuries. The principles a nd practice of treatment by the burn care team remained the same in bo th years. No significant difference in wound colonization rates was fo und between the two groups. We conclude that while the other known adv antages of managing burn patients in purpose-designed units remain val id a conditioned care environment per se does not influence bacterial colonization rates of burn wounds.