Give burn survivors access to rehabilitation

Because so much of a person’s quality of life is tied to having good hand functions, we cannot stress enough the importance of rehabilitation in the management of the burned hand. This starts at the acute stage, with interventions to protect the hand structure and prevent complications and continues as wounds heal and scars form, to prevent scar contracture and potential deformities.

Early and adequate rehabilitation interventions can avoid many unnecessary complications but sometimes, despite all the best efforts, we see difficult cases of contracture and deformity. Because of distance, lack of local rehabilitation resources, economic difficulties or emotional problems, patients are sometimes unable or unwilling to come to rehabilitation. They end up with deformities that seriously limit their ability to carry out daily activities independently. They require intensive rehabilitation interventions, followed by surgeries, followed again by rehabilitation. This cycle, which comes with tremendous financial, social and emotional costs, can last months and even years before patients can regain adequate hand function. To help burn survivors avoid or at least minimize this painful this cycle, burn professionals must be armed with proper knowledge and skills.

From September 18 to September 22, 2017, Sunshine Social Welfare Foundation will organize in Managua, Nicaragua with its local partner APROQUEN the second training on rehabilitation management of the burned hand for therapists in Latin America. Last year's training focused on establishing the knowledge and skills base: common problems and complications of the burned hand – their causes, as well as preventive and corrective methods; principles for the evaluation of the burned hand and development of a therapeutic intervention; as well as fabrication and application of splints. Building on last year's learning, participants will take part in hands-on demonstrations and activities to strengthen their skills, specifically evaluation of the burned hand, development of an appropriate intervention program and fabrication of new models of splints.

We will be sure to update you about the impact of last year's training and give you highlights of this year's activities!

Thank you for helping us carry out our mission to improve the lives of burn survivors worlwide by giving them access to quality rehabilitation!