The role of the clinical psychologist on a burn unit in a general teaching hospital

This paper reviews the core skills that a clinical psychologist brings to a burn unit and suggests a model for optimal psychological management of burn patients, families, and staff. Recovery from a burn injury involves three stages that comprise (a) acute treatment of severe medical complications, (b) adjustment to hospitalization, and (c) long-term rehabilitation. Each stage contains numerous issues that the clinical psychologist should monitor and manage. Assessment of patients at risk, early intervention, and specialist management are highlighted as critical components of effective psychological management of burn injury in a multidisciplinary team context.