Feb 1, 2021
This episode features Jonathan Bayuo (Presbyterian
University College, Abetifi, Eastern, Ghana and The Hong Kong
Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong).
The immediacy of death in the burn unit is usually in the order of
hours or days requiring the timely application of palliative care.
Although the culture of burns/ critical care units is evolving
the support the integration of palliative care, several
barriers such as prognostication and lack of guidelines exist.
Clinicians working in burn/ critical care units may experience
emotional exhaustion
The findings suggest a complex decision-making process which may
delay the initiation of comfort care. Collaboration with palliative
care practitioners and training are required to support
the integration of palliative care in the burn unit.
Guidelines to support the delivery of palliative care may focus on
communication, symptom management, and post-bereavement support for
families and staff.
A collaborative model of care is required to support palliative
care integration in the burn unit. Palliative care for severely
burned patients may need to commence alongside active burns
management.