Results of a hospital survey to determine the extent and type of psychologic services offered to patients with severe burns.

Surveys sent to psychologic service providers at the 159 burn care hospitals in the United States and Canada elicited 69 responses with 66 completed forms. Results indicated that few hospitals provide formal psychologic testing for their patients who require acute or reconstructive care. However, respondents estimated that more patients display symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder than are given counseling or psychologic therapy. Referrals for counseling or therapy at discharge and appointments for follow-up visits to assess emotional health are given to approximately two thirds of the patients. A disturbing survey finding was that many respondents reported that their hospital staff, 6 months after beginning to work on the unit, also displays symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.