The Journal of burn care & rehabilitation
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J Burn Care Rehabil · Jan 1992
ReviewPsychometric assessment of psychologic factors influencing adult burn rehabilitation.
This article describes psychometric assessment instruments that are available for the screening of psychosocial problems that can interfere with patient rehabilitation. Structured assessment of patient depression, anxiety, substance abuse, social support, and willingness to take control and responsibility for health care is important throughout all stages of the patient's treatment. There are psychometrically sound, relatively brief, and nonintrusive measures with which to assess these variables. ⋯ Future clinical research will hopefully compare and contrast the efficacy and relevance of these measures. Furthermore, future clinical evaluation and research will need to relate the influence of psychosocial factors on the patient's total health functioning. Structured psychometric evaluation of the psychosocial and health characteristics will ensure that patients who have been burned will attain the most fulfilling quality of life that is available to them.
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J Burn Care Rehabil · Jan 1992
ReviewThe role of the psychiatrist in the team treatment of the adult patient with burns.
Improved survival rates for patients with major burn injuries and the consistent finding of significant long-term psychologic disability among survivors of burn trauma call for a redefinition of the role of the psychiatric consultant in the care of patients with burns. In addition to the traditional functions of diagnosis and treatment of discrete psychiatric disorders in patients with burns, this expanded role includes assisting the patient's normal process of psychologic adaptation after injury, assessing and managing burn pain, and facilitating communication among all members of the burn team. The functions of the psychiatrist are most effectively carried out when the psychiatrist is able to participate on a regular basis in the care of every patient as a member of the burn team.