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Tapking C, Popp D, Hundeshagen G, Houschyar KS, Haug V, Boson AL, Benedikt S, Branski LK. Evaluation of the Online-Presence of ABA-Verified Burn Centers. J Burn Care Res 2020; 41:1063-1068. [PMID: 32639010 DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/irz204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Currently, patients seek healthcare information online. An up-to-date online presence is vital for success among the competition amid hospitals. Hospital websites have become an important medium to communicate with patients, provide information about certain diseases/conditions, and advertise healthcare services. This study aims to evaluate burn centers websites verified by the American Burn Association (ABA). The online presence of the 73 ABA-verified burn centers was evaluated according to criteria previously published by Benedikt et al. This included general information on burns, first aid, treatment at the burn unit, research, and education. ABA-verified burn centers were then compared with 48 German-speaking burn centers evaluated by Benedikt et al. Online information about patient care including treatment options and techniques was more often present in ABA-verified burn centers. However, this information was still provided in only half of the websites. Furthermore, ABA-verified burn centers more often used multimedia-based elements and social media platforms. On the other hand, German-speaking burn centers more often provided translations, general information (eg, staff and ward) about the burn center, as well as research and education. This study demonstrates that although many burn centers have well-designed websites, relevant burn-related information on patient care, research, and education is often missing or sparse. Today, most patients look for healthcare information online. Also, applicants for residency or fellowship programs tend to get a first picture of their potential employer on websites or social media. Keeping websites and social media up-to-date and informative can improve recruitment of patients and employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Tapking
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch and Shriners Hospitals for Children-Galveston.,Department of Hand, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, Microsurgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Popp
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch and Shriners Hospitals for Children-Galveston.,Division of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - Gabriel Hundeshagen
- Department of Hand, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, Microsurgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Valentin Haug
- Department of Hand, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, Microsurgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alexis L Boson
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch and Shriners Hospitals for Children-Galveston.,School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
| | - Stefan Benedikt
- Division of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Austria.,Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ludwik Krzysztof Branski
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch and Shriners Hospitals for Children-Galveston.,Division of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Austria
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