PHOENIX BURNS

PROJECTPHOENIX BURNS

PROJECT

Towards a paediatric burns rehabilitation centre

Dr Roux Martinez

PHOENIX BURNS

PROJECTPHOENIX BURNS

PROJECT

The Burn Survivor

• Acute / Hospital Phase– Excellent medical, physio, OT & dietary management– Good alternative medical support– Insufficient time on psychological support– No reintegration skills taught– No schooling for prolonged periods

• Late / Ongoing Rehab Phase– Most lost to follow-up– No reintegration skills taught– Uninformed & unaccepting public– No financial support / disability grants– No school reintegration or ongoing support– No vocational training– No place to go

PHOENIX BURNS

PROJECTPHOENIX BURNS

PROJECT

Successful outcomes

• Physical rehab - realistic expectations

• Psychological rehab - child & family

• Social reintegration - effective skills

• Quality social support - family, professionals, public

• Education & employment aspects - vocational training

The burn survivor must be able to manage the reaction of others in all situations - J. Partridge

PHOENIX BURNS

PROJECTPHOENIX BURNS

PROJECT

A rehab unit should provide

• Physical rehab– Medical, OT, physio, dietary, etc

• Psychological rehab– Place to discuss fears, anger, anxieties– Support groups (parent & children)– Positive burn survivor role models– Cognitive therapy– Psychotherapy

• Social reintegration skills for child & family– Appropriate to culture and age

• Education & vocational training

• Fun & enjoyment

PHOENIX BURNS

PROJECTPHOENIX BURNS

PROJECT

A rehab unit should

• Have a core of highly trained professionals• Have a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach• Respect patient confidentiality & never exploit the pt• Be strongly research orientated

• Be integrated with government & private healthcare systems• Be integrated with relevant NGO networks• Be financially sound & accountable• Be sustainable

• Be accessible to all child burn survivors• Be an advocate for burns survivors• Promote public awareness & education

PHOENIX BURNS

PROJECTPHOENIX BURNS

PROJECT

A phased approach

• Phase 1– Develop operational experience & validate methodologies

• Phase 2– Build a strong professional core and community network

• Phase 3– An autonomous centre of excellence in burns rehabilitation

PHOENIX BURNS

PROJECTPHOENIX BURNS

PROJECT

A phased approach - Phase 1

• Rented venue• Volunteer professionals• Develop assessment criteria for services & volunteers• Carefully selected small patient pool• Support for parents• Prevention & awareness• Provide transport & meals

Day programme - patients rotate through stations– AM: Physio, dietician, OT, psychologist, surgeon– Lunch– PM: Free play, touch therapy, music therapy, colour therapy,

life skills training, socialisation, pastoral care for various faiths.

PHOENIX BURNS

PROJECTPHOENIX BURNS

PROJECT

A phased approach - Phase 2

• Core of permanent employees assisted by part-time professional volunteers

• Patient monitoring & follow-up• Develop plans for a dedicated facility• Start to train lay community based volunteers• Start satellites in community• School reentry programmes & assisted vocational training• Expanded day programme (more activities on more days)

• Tertiary student involvement

PHOENIX BURNS

PROJECTPHOENIX BURNS

PROJECT

A phased approach - Phase 3

• A dedicated burns rehabilitation facility• Core professional staff assisted by professional volunteers• In-patient & outpatient programmes• Research programmes & outcome studies• Satellite clinics at community centres• Dedicated lay community volunteer pool• School bridging programmes• Vocational training placements• Scholarships for learners• Own patient transport facility• Student rotation & visiting fellowships