Basics of burn injury: implications for case management and life care planning

Case managers and life care planners are often appropriate professionals to assist with the care of people who have experienced burns. With more than 1,000,000 people who are burned each year, including 15,000 children who are hospitalized, the numbers of patients are substantial. Recovery from burns can be an extremely lengthy, complicated, and painful event. Effective case management can add to the quality of care and life of the individual with a burn in a major way. Furthermore, many will require lifelong care and a certified life care planner may be retained to assess these needs. This article presents an overview of information about burn care and related issues, and offers useful suggestions to the case manager and life care planner.