PHOENIX BURNS PROJECT Towards a paediatric burns rehabilitation centre Dr Roux Martinez

PHOENIX 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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