In Japan, “burn injury” is a type of injury medical students must learn about. However, although it is in the curriculum, lectures differ depending on the university or department. We administered a questionnaire survey to all 81 medical schools in Japan to examine the actual state of education regarding burn injuries in Japan.
We found that lectures on burn injury are delivered by multiple departments such as plastic and reconstructive surgery, dermatology, emergency, etc. At many universities, students are equipped to evaluate the size and depth, and the cause of the burn. On the other hand, at some universities, students are equipped to provide mental support for burn injury and progressive aseptic necrosis, and rehabilitation thereafter. During clinical training, only 15% of the students have experience in treating a burn injury.
Burns are a common type of injury that many doctors encounter in daily practice. However, at almost all schools, the time allotted for lectures on burn injury is limited. Effective lectures to encourage students to learn by themselves are recommended.
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