Initial care for burned patients in academic nursing education

Abstract

Objective: to describe the experience of Nursing students in the initial care for burned patients. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out with 107 Nursing students from four Higher Education Institutions. A modular structured questionnaire divided in three blocks was used. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics in the Epi Info® 6.04 software. Results: the majority (94.4%) of students reported that initial care for burned patients was addressed in undergraduate courses, but 81.6% considered the approach insufficient. Regarding the theory-practice relationship, 47.7% reported having participated in extracurricular theoretical activities, and 28.0% had performed practical activities of initial care for burned patients. All students considered it important to approach this theme during undergraduate training; 38.7% said this was extremely important, but 41.1% had little or no affinity with the subject. Conclusion: the experience in this theme, especially in practical activities, was considered insufficient by Nursing students, indicating the urgent need to rethink teaching practices.