Epidemiological characteristics and factors affecting healing in unintentional pediatric wounds.

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and wound healing conditions of common unintentional skin lacerations in children. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 1,107 children, aged 0-12 years, with skin lacerations who received emergency treatment at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 1, 2019, to December 30, 2022. Data on age, injury site, time from injury to suturing, and wound healing conditions were statistically analyzed. Results: Among the 1,107 cases, 714 (64.5%) were male and 393 (35.5%) were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.8:1; median age was 5 years (IQR, 3-7). Infants and toddlers (0-3 years old) constituted the highest proportion, accounting for 36.3% (402 cases). The number of children aged over 3 years gradually decreased with increasing age. In younger children, the most common injuries were to the forehead, scalp, and lower jaw; in school-aged children, the proportion of limb and trunk injuries significantly increased. Age (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.23-1.46), outdoor injuries (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.18-4.16), lower limb injuries (OR, 5.35; 95% CI, 2.86-10.00), and wound length greater than 3 cm (OR, 10.65; 95% CI, 5.02-22.60) were significant risk factors for poor wound healing. The risk of poor wound healing increased by 34% for each additional year of age. Conclusion: In children, the common sites of unintentional skin lacerations show distinct age and gender distribution characteristics. Older age, outdoor injuries, longer wound lengths, and lower limb injuries are independent risk factors for poor wound healing.

An interdisciplinary educational trial for adolescent health and development in urbanising China.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects on master student participants of an intensive interdisciplinary educational programme aiming at improving adolescent health and development services in urbanising China. BACKGROUND: There is a need for interdisciplinary education and collaborative practice in health, but few educational programmes have been reported. DESIGN: Experimental design including a qualitative component. METHODS: Purposive sampling was used to identify master students in relevant disciplinary areas for the four-day classroom learning, four-day field learning and a half-day reflection, focusing on key aspects of adolescent health and development in the face of rapid urbanisation. Data about family function, cognitive development, adolescent health and development competency, and difficulties caused by health conditions were collected using quantitative and qualitative methods. RESULT: Master student participants reported positive outcomes in adolescent health and development competency, and cognitive development. Six themes were identified about the programme and its impact: 'programme evaluation', 'programme characteristics', 'changed views about nursing and nurses', 'lessons learned', 'participation benefits' and 'suggestions for future action'. CONCLUSION: Interdisciplinary educational programmes are possible and beneficial at masters level but may be very challenging given the need for administrative, financial and human resources. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Interdisciplinary educational programmes require to start with small health sector trials to accumulate evidence and skills. Faculty development is a prerequisite for such programmes towards collaborative practice.