The care of the burn patient is performed through a team effort. Our team at the Arizona Burn Center includes the patient, family, burn surgeons and surgical residents, specialty surgeons, pediatric intensive care physicians, medical physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, nutritionists, burn care coordinators, social workers, respiratory therapists, chaplains, psychologists, research personnel, and volunteers. The team members work together to help the patient and his/her family both physically and emotionally; and help them to return home.
During the early stages of burn treatment, the patient is dependent upon the nursing staff and other members of the team for total care. As healing progresses, the patient becomes more independent. Patient motivation is important during rehabilitation to enable the other team members to do their job effectively.
The family is a very important member of the team as they can help provide motivation and emotional support to the patient. They will be informed on how to handle different situations that will be encountered in the Burn Center and at home. They are encouraged to ask questions of the staff and physicians.
The Burn Surgeons are trained as specialists in the field of Burn & Trauma and are skilled in all aspects of burn care. They are the directors of each burn patients care. Other specialty surgeons involved in the burn team include, General/Vascular Surgeons, Pediatric, Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeons, Hand Surgeons, Orthopedic Surgeons, Cardiac/Thoracic Surgeons and Ophthalmologic Surgeons.
These physicians are skilled in all aspects of pediatric care, especially for the critically ill pediatric patient. These physicians will work jointly with the burn surgeons to provide the highest quality of care to your child.
Other physicians may be consulted to assist the burn team with your or your loved ones care. These physicians may include: Cardiologists, Nephrologists, Dermatologists, Psychiatrists and Psychologists.
The nursing staff is directed by the Burn Center Nurse Manager and these include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse assistants (burn techs). The nurse is with the patient the longest period of time each day and is specially trained in burn care. The nurse will do everything possible to help the patient reach total rehabilitation. The nurse's job will be facilitated by the cooperation of the patient and the family.
The physical therapist's responsibilities include daily baths, assistance in debridement, exercises, positioning, assisting with splints, and developing a home exercise program. The physical therapist also follows the patient after discharge. The successful preservation of function of burned arms, legs, hands, and feet depends on the cooperation of the patient with education from the physical therapist.
The occupational therapist evaluates the need for splints, to help prevent and or reduce burn scar contractures. The occupational therapist's responsibilities also include positioning and exercises, diversional activities (crafts), evaluating needs, teaching activities of daily living, and providing a home program of splinting and exercise. The goal of occupational therapy is preservation of function and rehabilitative training.
The dietitian promotes a normal level of dietary intake welfare to minimize weight loss and to promote wound healing. The patients are instructed concerning the need for maintaining a high calorie and protein intake. This is further achieved by supplemental feedings, as indicated. The dietitian is available to meet with families for any special food considerations of the patient.
The respiratory therapist administers oxygen, breathing treatments or other assistance for patients who may be in acute or severe respiratory distress due to inhalation of noxious agents, or other lung problems like pneumonia. In more severe circumstances patients may need additional assistance in breathing with the aid of a breathing machine (ventilator).
The chaplain serves the immediate religious and pastoral needs of the patients and families in the AZ Burn Center. The chaplain is available on 24-hour call for these services.
The clinical psychologist and psychology doctoral students will be available for patient consultation and counseling at the request of the patient's physician or family.
A child life specialist is specially trained to work with the emotional and developmental needs of children and their families. They use play and other forms of age appropriate therapy to reduce the stress associated with burn care and therapy, and help parents and children cope better with the burn care experience.
The clinical nurse specialist teaches the nursing staff how to deal with burn injuries in the best possible manner. They will be working with your nursing team to make sure the patient gets the best possible care.
Research is an important part of burn care. Our Clinical Research Coordinators work in harmony with the physicians, patients and their families to investigate new and more proficient means of burn care. Current projects include studying the use of new medications, treatments and techniques geared to improving the treatment of the burn patient. The research psychologist is looking at ways to improve the psychological aspects of trauma and burn injuries. The results of all of these studies are shared at professional meetings and/or published in professional journals while maintaining complete patient confidentiality. Once again, the overall goal is to improve upon the care of the burn patient.
The pharmacist monitors the medications the patient is getting to make sure the most appropriate medications are being utilized for you or your loved one.
Language translators are available to help you better communicate with the medical staff. Please feel free to request one.
The Foundation is a non-profit community agency dedicated to assisting burn victims and their families in becoming burn survivors. A family service representative is available to discuss emergency needs you may have as well as rehabilitative programs such as support groups, pediatric Burn Camp, counseling or tutoring. See tab 14 for more information.
When available, volunteers in the Arizona Burn Center will provide emotional support, be a resource person to patients and families, relay pertinent information to the nurses, and help the patient with snacks and meals. Our volunteers also provides social activities for the patient.
The care coordinator works with case management to insure a smooth transition of burn care from the hospital to home or a rehab center, which includes facilitation of all discharge details.
Sometimes a hospital stay can create hardships for the family. Our Social Service personnel are available to assist you when such problems arise. There is no charge for this service. If necessary, we can put family members in touch with helpful agencies in the community. A social worker is available in the Burn Center to patients, family members and friends for the following services: