Research is an imperative part of growing, learning and better understanding the unique needs of burn patients. Our 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. Some of the burn centers research is funded through pharmacy and product companies or from public or corporate grants. Other research projects are non-funded and are specifically derived by collecting data on unique or unpublished data. All of the research done in the Arizona Burn Center is overseen and approved by the hospital Investigational Review Board. This group of physicians, scientists, pharmacists, nurses and laypersons review all studies within the hospital to ensure the safety of the patient involved in the study.
Because burn care involves more than just the physical treatment of burns, the Arizona Burn Center is actively involved in research studies that help the patient and family with the psychological trauma of the burn injury. The Research Psychologist is looking at ways to gain a better understanding and improve how patients cope with the pain and long-term effects of burn injuries. These findings are vital to the continued improvement in the care of the burn patient.
The results of all of the research studies are shared at professional meetings across the United States and even throughout the world. Moreover, many of the findings are published in professional medical and scientific journals. At all times the results are presented while maintaining complete patient confidentiality. Once again, the overall goal of the research department is to improve upon and better understand burn injuries and how better to treat the patient and the family.