Participation and Community Living

Expanded Delivery Model for Burn Rehabilitation

The present health care delivery system based on periodic routine clinic visits was developed a century ago and is not always sufficient to meet the needs of patients coping with chronic health problems, including persons with burn injuries. After years of research and clinical experience, we have found that patients with burn injuries have issues that are extremely complex and unpredictable, requiring support and management on a far more individualized and frequent basis than is provided by interval clinic visits. Simply increasing the frequency of clinic visits is not practical for those in our large catchment area, does not facilitate the use of community resources, and does not address the issues in a timely manner. In particular, the clinic system does not address the issues of participation and community living.

Therefore, we are conducting a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of a novel intervention; an ECP or "expanded care provider" who will use telephone and internet communications to (1) assist in management of burn wound issues (i.e., splints, dressings, and pressure garments), (2) provide motivational interview counseling to help the person deal with psychosocial distress, disfigurement and functional limitations, and (3) facilitate dealing with problems related to housing, transportation, recreation, employment, education, and community activities, at the time they occur. The ECP will "reach out" to persons and permit them to "reach in" to us for guidance through the challenging, and critical, post-injury period.

The primary investigator for this project is Shelley-Wiechman Askay, PhD.

Results from studies completed during previous cycles in this domain may be seen in the section on Publications/Abstracts/Newsletters.