Mortality data 2004-2019: an audit of the Royal Adelaide Hospital Adult Burn Service

Background: Burns are complex, multifaceted injuries that can pose significant challenges to the treating team. The Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) Burns Service has undergone a major evolution over the past two decades, with perceived improvement in outcomes. We present here a longitudinal audit of the RAH Burns Service Mortality Data between 2004 and 2019.

Methods: An audit was conducted of all index admissions to the RAH Burns Unit from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2019. Age at admission, total body surface area, burn depth, presence of inhalation injury and outcome were recorded. Baux and revised Baux Scores were calculated. Lethal Area 50% for different time points and age groups, Baux_50/100 and Revised Baux_50/100 values were then calculated using logistical regression.

Results: During 2004-2019, there were 5653 index admissions to the RAH Burns Unit. The mean total body surface area of burn injuries admitted was 5.1% and the survival rate was 99.17%. The Lethal Area 50% for the study period was 74%, with an improvement from 70% (2004-2011) to 80% (2012-2019). The Baux₅₀ score for the time period was 120 and the Revised Baux₅₀ was 129.

Conclusion: The RAH results are comparable with other high-income country Burn Services and demonstrated significant improvement across the study period. The data also highlight areas for ongoing focus such as the elderly burns patient.