Objective

In this communication, we review existent scientific literature focused on rehabilitation of the burn patient, summarizing recommendations provided by international consensus documents and the most recent evidence. Moreover, we present the method in which this recommendations have been applied to the Great Burns Unit of the Hospital La Fe, in the form of a interdisciplinary intensive rehabilitation protocol.

Methods

A bibliographic search was performed among existent literature and international consensus documents focused on the field of burn patient rehabilitation; presenting and summarizing the obtained information . The way we applied those international recommendations to our Burns Unit is also described.

Results

Existent bibliography supports the development and application of intensive rehabilitation protocols in burn units for the improvement of the functional results of their patients. The experience in our unit in which this sort of protocol is applied, matches the good results described in literature.

Conclusions

Early intensive rehabilitation therapy is a key stone when it comes to prevention and treatment of functional complications. This interdisciplinary approach must focus in prevention of long term complications, such as contractures, abnormal scarring, deformities, muscular atrophy, mobility limitations and other issues which can decrease physical function. Its utilization in a Burn Unit, will help optimize functional results of their patients

Optimizing functional results in the burn patient: Intensive rehabilitation protocol