ABSTRACT
The development of the life care plan for the burn patient is best begun immediately following the injury to ensure provision of adequate medical, emotional, social, and financial support for the patient and family. There is an enormous investment of health care manpower, time, money, and facilities in the acute treatment of burn patients and in restoring them to health (Herndon & Blakeney, 2002; Feck et al., 1978). The treatment process is long, arduous, demanding, complex, and expensive (Fisher & Helm, 1984; Helm & Fisher, 1988). The rehabilitation process begins as soon after initial hospital admission as possible. The end point of rehabilitation is not easily defined, but can continue for up to 2 years after discharge (Helm & Cromes, 1995).
