The Hamlet Study: to graft or not to graft
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Hamlet Study: to graft or not to graft? A pilot observational study in children with indeterminate depth burns
IRAS ID
245153
Contact name
Yvonne Wilson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Mixed depth burns, mainly due to scalds, are very common in children. Management of superficial and deep burns (full thickness) are standardised. Superficial burns are managed conservatively with dressings and are expected to heal spontaneously with minimal scarring. Full thickness burns will either heal or take a prolonged time, leaving significant deforming scars. Surgical intervention for deep burns (excision of the burned tissue and coverage with a skin graft) is indicated to achieve wound healing, prevent infection and reduce adverse scarring in the long term. There is a lack of consensus in the literature regarding the best treatment for burns with an 'indeterminate' depth; burns that affect mid and deep dermis. Surgical versus conservative treatment is under debate. As burn scars may have lifelong detrimental effects, including severe psychological consequences, finding the optimal management for these common wounds is important. Questionnaires have been formulated to explore which factors influence the decision making by Burn Consultants in the choice of treatment; explore parent' experience and understanding of the consequences, treatment and long term outcomes for their child after a burn and to explore healthcare professionals' experiences of providing information to parents. This research proposal is to conduct a pilot study for mixed depth burns. The aim is to define the design and assess the feasibility of a full scale trial of the effectiveness of a surgical approach (with skin grafting) versus a conservative approach (using dressings) for children with mixed depth burns. The study will be conducted at Birmingham Women's and children's Hospital. The time scale of the study is 12 months with time points Day1-12months post burn; incorporating the acute and rehabilitation phase. The acute phase will focus on initial management and the rehabilitation phase will focus on scar assessment and the assessment of quality of life.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/WM/0240
Date of REC Opinion
6 Dec 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion