Evaluation of junior physicians' proficiency in emergency burn management at public healthcare institutions in Port Sudan, Sudan

Introduction Burns pose a significant global health challenge, causing substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In these environments, junior physicians often provide initial burn treatment with limited training and resources. This study assesses the knowledge of junior emergency physicians in burn care, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced training and resource support. Material and methods This study is a descriptive, quantitative, multi-center, cross-sectional analysis. It was conducted in three hospitals in Port Sudan between August and October 2025. The focus of the study was on junior physicians working in the emergency departments of these public sector hospitals during the specified period. The inclusion criteria for participation were as follows: participants had to be junior physicians working in the emergency departments of hospitals in Port Sudan during the study timeframe. Results This study examined 390 participants. Medical officers comprised 49%, house officers 42.8%, and registrars 8.2%. Notably, only 10.3% accurately identified the adult burn surface area, while 89.7% responded incorrectly. Awareness of pediatric burn surface area was even lower, with just 2.8% answering correctly. The mean knowledge score was 54.4 ± 11 out of 100 points (54.4%), highlighting a pressing demand for improved burn care training. Conclusion Burn injuries frequently present in emergency departments but are often not managed effectively, particularly in smaller hospitals where junior doctors serve as first responders. This insufficient awareness can adversely affect patient care. Addressing this issue requires regular training sessions for new physicians and the promotion of international collaboration to enhance burn management competencies and improve patient outcomes.