Psychosocial care of persons with severe burns.

Treatment of people with burn injuries includes recovery of optimal function for survivors to fully participate in society, psychologically and physically. Increased likelihood of physical survival has led to greater concern for potential psychological morbidity for the burn survivor. Based on research and on many years of clinical experience in providing psychosocial care to burned children and adults, the authors outline their approach to assisting burn survivors and their families through the arduous process of recovery from admission through critical care, inpatient recuperation and reintegration upon hospital discharge.

Phantom limb pain in pediatric burn survivors.

Phantom limb sensation and pain are reported by youth following amputations. While youth survivors of severe burns may require amputation as a part of their treatment, the authors are unaware of any descriptions as to the rates and features of phantom limb sensation and pain in this population. A retrospective chart review of all youth that were admitted to a burn care unit over the past 30 years and received amputations as part of their treatment was conducted to describe the rate of phantom sensation and pain.