Occupational Therapy’s Role in Rehabilitation after Burn Injury

Course Description

Course Description:

Almost 500,000 clients with burn injuries are being treated in medical facilities across the United States at any point in time (American Burn Association, 2016). Secondary effects of burn injury can include scarring, contracture, and loss of joint mobility with a prevalence of 38-54% of clients being discharged with contractures (Oosterwijk et al. 2017). This, in turn, leads to decreased functioning in everyday occupations (Ozelie, 2021). Ghalayini et al. (2019) found that 40% of patients with burn injuries to the hand were not completely independent with self-care upon discharge, and for 20% of participants, a decline in function was experienced after discharge. Occupational therapists play a key role in preventing the detrimental impact of the secondary effects of burn injury. Occupational therapy can optimize client function by providing direct intervention throughout recovery. 

Primary interventions utilized by occupational therapists throughout the recovery process are rote exercise, such as active or passive range of motion, and functional activity (Omar et al., 2012). [DED2] These interventions, as well as splinting, strengthening, and scar massage are often utilized as interventions to help clients gain and maintain function post-burn injury (Ozelie, 2021). While these topics[DED3]  are discussed in entry-level educational programs, occupational therapy practitioners working with burn-injured clients need to use critical thinking to determine when and how to apply therapeutic media during each phase of  recovery to produce therapeutic outcomes.