Ms  Jessica Shapland³, Miss Jodie Wiseman¹, Dr Megan Simons², Professor Roy Kimble², Dr Zephanie Tyack¹

¹Centre For Children’s Burns And Trauma Research, South Brisbane, Australia, ²Pegg Leditschke Children’s Burns Centre, Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia, ³Pegg Leditschke Children’s Burns Centre – Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane , Australia

Abstract:
Scarring after a burn can have serious physical, psychosocial and economic implications for the person and their treating health service. Despite multiple investigations into scar interventions, research results have been unable to definitively identify the effectiveness of current scar management interventions. As a result, further randomised controlled trials in this field are required. However, conducting research on scar intervention effectiveness in a clinical environment has an array of challenges and considerations including the need for the whole team to adhere to study protocols, inclusion of culturally diverse participants who are representative of the broader burns population, and standardised follow up time points which reduce flexibility for health professionals and patients. This presentation will discuss the strategies used to ensure the successful recruitment of a full sample in a world first randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of pressure garment therapy, silicone gel and combined pressure garment therapy and silicone gel in the prevention and management of burn scars in children. Successful strategies have included the development of a research culture, clinically driven research questions, regular and open communication with the treating team, and early trouble shooting of potential problems. A checklist to support the planning of future trials will be presented.

Biography:
Jodie is an Occupational Therapist who is undertaking her PhD with the Centre for Children’s Burns and Trauma Research, University of Queensland. Jodie’s research is investigating the effectiveness of non invasive burn scar management in children. Jodie is also currently working as a research assistant with the Centre for Children’s Burns and Trauma Research and has worked clinically across community, hospital and private practice settings.