Education in burns: Lessons from the past and objectives for the future

Abstract Burns are devastating to the individual and society, representing a huge biomedical burden. Improved education in burns has however ignited a revolution in high-income countries—burn mortality is reducing. Education in burns is far-reaching. For the purpose of this concise review, we focus on four categories: education of both (1) emergency and (2) specialist physicians, and the general population, both at a (3) societal and (4) individual level. Tragically, the global burns picture is bleak with burns representing a neglected but solvable health crisis. Ninety-five percent of burns occur in low-income countries, causing enormous suffering, death and disability. Here, we examine the literature detailing burn education with a focus on past lessons, current trends and future objectives. We have identified key educational objectives to revolutionise burn care on a global perspective. Now is the time to build on promising educational strides to reduce the global burns burden.