%0 Journal Article
%T Hydrotherapy in burn care: a survey of hydrotherapy practices in the UK and Ireland and literature review.
%A Langschmidt J
%A Caine PL
%A Wearn CM
%A Bamford A
%A Wilson YT
%A Moiemen NS
%J Burns
%V 40
%N 5
%D Aug 2014
%M 24332438
%F 2.609
%R 10.1016/j.burns.2013.11.006
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Hydrotherapy is widely used in burns management however there are risks associated with its use, in particular cross-infection. Data regarding indications and techniques in common use is deficient. This study aimed to investigate hydrotherapy practices in the UK and Ireland.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A survey of the hydrotherapy practice of major burn care providers was performed by e mail and where necessary, follow up telephone contact.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The survey included 28 burn care providers. 27 reported using hydrotherapy. Only 11 (41%) had defined indication criteria with 4 (15%) implementing a specific protocol. Variations in hydrotherapy practice were seen.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Hydrotherapy is used nationwide, however considerable variation in practice exists. One area worthy of further consideration is the need for appropriate standards of infection control.