Ms Akane Katsu¹, Tanya Iddamalgoda¹, Laura Ianni¹, Klara Glaw²

¹Occupational Therapy Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Australia, ²Mental Health Inpatient Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Australia

Abstract:

Background

A sensory-based approach supports recovery in individuals after trauma. Individuals with burn injuries experience repeated interventions during their specialist burn care that may exacerbate trauma symptoms. Surrounding sensory stimuli can be used to maximise comfort, adjustment, and engagement for recovery. This project aimed to identify individual sensory preferences and environmental needs to support their sense of safety during the acute burn injury management.

Methods

We collaborated with a specialist mental health occupational therapist to survey patients and staff experiences of the sensory environment during burn treatments. We plan to use the Person-Environment-Occupational model to guide thematic analysis of survey responses.  We plan to use our results to educate staff, and raise awareness and understanding of the impact of sensory preferences in our clinical setting.

Results

We anticipate an increase in staff awareness and understanding of the impact of sensory preferences has on patients during burn treatment. We will present results using diagrammatic format and verbatim quotes. Thereafter, findings from this project will be used to guide the development of strategies to support patients and staff sensory preferences during burn treatment.

Conclusion

We hope this will create a more supportive sensory environment for patients by increasing their sense of safety and reduce re-traumatisation during the burn recovery process.

Biography:

Akane is a senior clinical specialist and team leader of the RNSH Burns Occupational Therapy Team. Her areas of interest are severe facial burn management, long-term recovery outcomes and innovative care practices. Tanya is a senior burns occupational therapist with expertise in major burn trauma rehabilitation and complex care management.