A PROGRAM TO DECREASE HOSPITAL STAY IN ACUTE BURN PATIENTS

A program of early excision, increased outpatient care, and aggressive discharge planning was introduced gradually over a 5 yr period from 1 991 to 1995 with the goal of decreasing the length of stay for burn pa tients. Results form 1 January 1991, to 30 June 1993, were compared wi th results from 1 July 1993 to 31 December 1995. Burns under and over 25 percent were considered separately. There was a significant reducti on in LOS of 51.4 percent for burns under 25 percent. There was also a significant reduction in LOS of 23.7 percent for burns over 25% TSA. There was no significant difference in age, burn size of mortality bet ween the early and late groups. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd for ISBI .