Langschmidt (2013) Hydrotherapy in burn care – A survey of hydrotherapy practices in the UK and Ireland and literature review
Introduction to Hydrotherapy in Burn Management Burn patients are at high risk of infection due to the loss of the skin’s protective barrier. Hydrotherapy, a long-standing treatment in burn care, faces scrutiny due to potential risks, especially cross-infection.
Survey Objectives and Methods Aiming to assess hydrotherapy usage, a survey targeted major burn care providers in the UK and Ireland. The response rate was 100%, revealing wide usage but varied practices.
Findings on Hydrotherapy Practices Hydrotherapy is prevalent, with 96% of centers using it. However, only a minority have clear protocols or indication criteria. Practices vary, from showering to immersion, raising concerns about consistency and infection control.
Infection Control and Equipment Usage Infection control measures differ significantly across centers. The use of shared equipment and variations in microbiological surveillance highlight the need for improved infection control standards.
Discussion and Literature Review Historically, hydrotherapy played a key role in debridement and wound cleaning. Yet, evolving burn care practices and concerns about infection transmission call for reevaluation of its role. The survey underscores the lack of consensus and the need for evidence-based guidelines.
Conclusion: The Need for Standardized Hydrotherapy Guidelines Despite its widespread use, hydrotherapy practices in burn care vary greatly across the UK and Ireland. The survey points to a critical need for evidence-based guidelines to ensure patient safety and optimize burn care outcomes.
Keywords: Hydrotherapy, Burns wounds, Pseudomonas, Review, Survey, Cross infection, Wound cleansing
Keyphrase: Hydrotherapy in burn care
