An evaluation of clinical psychology input into burns multidisciplinary follow-up clinics.

The Regional Burns Centre holds regular outpatient scar clinics to monitor recovery and healing. As well as the medical professionals, the clinics are joined by Clinical Psychologists who can assess, refer, and support individuals struggling with their burn or scarring on a mental level. Over 15 months, data was collected about patients attending the clinics and the involvement of the psychologists. 43% of adult patients and 46% of paediatric patients were identified as having some psychological need, either related to their burn or to other aspects of their life. This demonstrates the benefits of having psychology presence within scar clinics, as nearly half of the patients seen in clinic received an assessment and further support (such as signposting and referrals to psychological support). Burns staff also felt that psychology presence enhanced conversations and increased collaboration with decision making around treatment.