Work

The unhoused burn patient: an unmet need for prevention, treatment, and recovery

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • Homelessness increases the risk of burn injury. • Unhoused individuals experience high rates of morbidity from burn injuries. • Unhoused individuals with burn injuries lack access to acute and long-term care. • Burn prevention strategies are needed for the unhoused. Burn injuries among unhoused individuals are a growing public health concern, with unique challenges related to the environments in which unhoused people live and the limited access they have to preventive resources and healthcare. Experiencing homelessness is associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality from burns due to environmental exposure, inadequate living conditions, and delayed medical intervention. This review will discuss the epidemiology, mechanisms of burn injury, outcomes after burn injury, the role of mental health, preventive strategies, and the social and economic issues that heighten the risk of burns in unhoused populations. The review will also delve into areas of advocacy and research to reduce the risk of burn injury and address areas of treatment and recovery for unhoused patients.

Source: Burns Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.burnso.2025.100440

Authors: Soman Sen, Jason Heard, Tina Palmieri, Kathleen Romanowski

Institutions: Shriners Hospitals for Children - Northern California, University of California Davis Medical Center, UC Davis Health, University of California, Davis

Language: English

Topic: Burn Injury Management and Outcomes

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,560