Hydrotherapy in burn care: a survey of hydrotherapy practices in the UK and Ireland and literature review.

Authors: Langschmidt J (1) , Caine PL (2) , Wearn CM (3) , Bamford A (3) , Wilson YT (3,4) , Moiemen NS (3,4)

Affiliations:

(1) Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick (2) University of Birmingham Medical School (3) Burns & Plastic Surgery Department, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital (4) Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Source: Burns. 2014 Aug;40(5):860-4

Language: English Countries: Not specified Location: Not specified Correspondence address: N.S. Moiemen : The Healing Foundation Burn Injury Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust,
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2WB, UK. Tel.: +44 121 3714884.
E-mail addresses: nmoiemen@aol.com, naiem.moiemen@uhb.nhs.uk

Keywords

Article abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Hydrotherapy is widely used in burns management however there are risks associated with its use, in particular cross-infection. Data regarding indications and techniques in common use is deficient. This study aimed to investigate hydrotherapy practices in the UK and Ireland.

METHODS:

A survey of the hydrotherapy practice of major burn care providers was performed by e mail and where necessary, follow up telephone contact.

RESULTS:

The survey included 28 burn care providers. 27 reported using hydrotherapy. Only 11 (41%) had defined indication criteria with 4 (15%) implementing a specific protocol. Variations in hydrotherapy practice were seen.

CONCLUSION:

Hydrotherapy is used nationwide, however considerable variation in practice exists. One area worthy of further consideration is the need for appropriate standards of infection control.

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