Quality and Outcomes Reports - Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery

Burn inpatient volume

Why we measure it - As a regional pediatric burn center recognized by the American Burn Association, we measure our volumes and other statistics to make sure we are providing the best care possible. In addition, research shows that surgeons and hospitals that treat a large number of patients tend to provide better care and have improved outcomes for treatments and procedures. 

What this means - Our Burn Program treats more than 100 inpatients per year. Patients and families choose our care for even minor burns as they become aware of our specialized care.

About the data - These data reflect the number of inpatients with burn injuries treated at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin classified by the percent of body surface injured by their burns.

Related dimensions of care:

What we're doing to provide the best care:  

  • Children's Hospital is one of the largest pediatric facilities in Wisconsin to provide burn care, from the acute phase to reconstruction and rehabilitation.
  • Our Burn Program is part of the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, able to provide the best possible care to the most critically injured children. The American College of Surgeons grants Level I certification to hospitals that provide the best quality of care and are active in injury prevention, research and education.
  • As a regional pediatric burn center recognized by the American Burn Association, we are able to provide comprehensive care to children from newborns through teenagers with any level or kind of burn. These include first, second and third degree burns from scalds, fire, electricity, chemicals or friction.
  • We treat an increasing number of burns with biologic dressings and other innovative treatments that reduce pain and scarring and speed healing. This allows many children to be sent home or have shorter hospital stays, and to be followed up in our outpatient clinic.
  • We follow the American Burn Association guidelines to provide the best care.
  • We have an entire health care team to care for burn patients. Team members are specifically trained in pediatrics and represent specialties such as Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery; Emergency Medicine; Critical Care; Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Physical and Occupational Therapy; Nursing; Nutrition; Respiratory Therapy; Pain Management; Psychology and Child Life.
  • We work closely with the Pain Management team to reduce the pain that often comes with burn injuries and keep children as comfortable as possible.
  • We have a highly specialized Children's Transport Team available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to stabilize and transport seriously sick and injured infants and children to our center.
  • Staff are involved in burn-related research to increase burn knowledge and improve treatments.
  • We provide injury prevention programs through our Children's Health Education Center, and are lead sponsors of Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin, Safe Kids Wisconsin Coalition and Injury Free Coalition for Kids.  
  • We work closely with specialists at our Child Protection Center to evaluate, treat and protect children who were burned intentionally.

Patients and families: 

  • Make sure you have working smoke detectors on every floor of your house, especially outside bedrooms. Check the batteries twice a year.
  • Keep your water heater no higher than 120 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Never leave small children alone in the kitchen or bathroom.
  • Keep appliance cords out of children's reach.
  • Children younger than 12 years old should not use a stove or microwave.
  • When camping, make sure to fully douse coals and keep children away from hot embers.
  • For other injury prevention tips, visit Children's Health Education Center.

Referring physicians:

  • Fill out and fax a referral form prior to sending the patient to Children's Hospital for outpatient ancillary services or a specialty clinic visit. 
  • Forward any pertinent patient documentation, including test results, to the specialty physician's office prior to the patient's visit. 
  • Referring physicians can access our specialists for consultation or transport 24 hours a day. Call our physician referral line at (800) 266-0366.  
  • Health care providers from outside of our southeastern Wisconsin service area are encouraged to use our web-based
    e-Consult service. This service is available for non-urgent patient cases only and gives providers access to our specialists to review patient cases, obtain medical advice or second opinions, and receive care recommendations for rare symptoms and illnesses.
    e-Consult is not to be used by the general public, parents/guardians or families.
  • Care guidelines for medical professionals
  • Educational materials
  • Pocket Directory

If you have questions about this data or information, email us or call (414) 266-6556.