Issues to address in burn care for ethnic minority children: a qualitative study of the experiences of health care staff.

INTRODUCTION

Numerous studies have shown that ethnic minority children in the developed world are at greater risk of sustaining burns compared to children from non-ethnic minority backgrounds. However, little is known about the experiences of hospital health care staff with ethnic minority children and parents. A qualitative interview study was conducted to gain more insight into burn care for ethnic minority children and the potential challenges this presents.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews on burn care for ethnic minority children were conducted in 2009 with health care staff (N=17) working in two burn centers in the Netherlands. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a framework method.

RESULTS

Health care staff identified the following issues in burn care for ethnic minority children and their parents: (1) linguistic barriers to communication with parents about pressure garments, dressing changes, skin grafting procedures, and psychosocial support; (2) biological/genetic features of differing pigmentation of skin and skin healing; (3) cultural differences between parents and health care staff; (4) insecurity or irritation about linguistic and cultural barriers.

CONCLUSIONS

Burn health care staff should have knowledge of biological/genetic features of dark skin, awareness of cultural differences, and transcultural communication skills to deliver culturally competent care tailored to the needs of ethnic minority children and their parents.