PT/OT
consults
should be performed upon patient admission.
PT evaluation of burn patients is a
high priority and patients are generally seen within 24 hours or sooner. Inhalational
burns can benefit from PT/OT as well for pulmonary mobility.
PT focuses on lower extremities while
OT focuses on upper extremities though they work very closely with each
other.
Splints should be used as indicated and
will be determined by PT/OT depending on the type of burn and area
involved. Avoid sending splints to OR with patients unless specifically
requested by the surgeon. They
tend to get thrown away and then have to be remade and the patient is recharged
for additional splints.
PT/OT should
be invited to be present on rounds with the team whenever possible to help
determine patient needs.
Ensure
that mobility orders in Epic are current/accurate.
Most
burn patients need frequent range of motion to prevent complications from
immobility. PT/OT can generally
only see each burn patient on a daily basis so bedside staff need to be
diligent about performing range of motion. This can be taught to family members as well.
Specific
activity/mobility/range orders, approved by Plastics, are needed
for PT/OT to optimize care for all burn patients, especially after grafting.
Severe burns should prompt Rehabilitation Medicine Consultation
for consideration of inpatient rehab or possibly support of home health and an
outpatient program. Burn victims from rural areas are particularly prone to
contractures because burn rehab (home health PT/OT) expertise is more
limited.
