Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

Spring 4-24-2025

Faculty Mentor

Roxanna Bendixen

Abstract

Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital (SJCH) is South Carolina’s only pediatric burn referral center, offering comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for children with burn injuries. While most pediatric burns are minor, non-accidental injuries account for up to 20% of cases (Strobel & Fey, 2018). Parents of hospitalized children with burns often experience heightened anxiety, which can negatively influence their child’s emotional well-being and cooperation during treatment (Zdun-Ryżewska et al., 2021).

This capstone project aimed to reduce caregiver anxiety by developing accessible, inclusive, and health-literate educational materials. These resources were designed to provide parents with realistic expectations, enhance understanding of burn care procedures, and support both the child and family throughout hospitalization. Research suggests that informed and emotionally supported parents are better equipped to engage positively in their child’s care (Rosenberg et al., 2015; Patel et al., 2022).

Feedback from interdisciplinary stakeholders—including surgeons, nurses, and child life specialists—highlighted the utility of the materials in improving caregiver comprehension and promoting a sense of empowerment. Quotes from providers emphasized the importance of clear, visual, and individualized educational resources as tools for coping and communication. Deliverables included print handouts and recommendations for digital access via QR codes, ongoing family feedback mechanisms, and staff training for consistent implementation.

The project underscores the role of occupational therapy in addressing family-centered care and emotional regulation. Through direct observation and hands-on experience within the burn unit, this capstone deepened understanding of the psychosocial impacts of pediatric burns and the therapeutic value of caregiver education.

References

Patel, K. F., Rodríguez-Mercedes, S. L., Grant, G. G., Rencken, C. A., Kinney, E. M., Austen, A.,

Hou, C., Brady, K. J. S., Schneider, J. C., Kazis, L. E., & Ryan, C. M. (2022). Physical, Psychological, and Social Outcomes in Pediatric Burn Survivors Ages 5 to 18 Years: A Systematic Review. Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association, 43(2), 343–352. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/irab225

Rosenberg, M., Mehta, N., Rosenberg, L., Ramirez, M., Meyer, W. J., 3rd, Herndon, D. N.,

Andersen, C. R., & Thomas, C. (2015). Immediate and long-term psychological problems for survivors of severe pediatric electrical injury. Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries, 41(8), 1823–1830. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2015.06.006

Strobel, A. M., & Fey, R. (2018). Emergency Care of Pediatric Burns. Emergency medicine

clinics of North America, 36(2), 441–458. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emc.2017.12.011

Zdun-Ryżewska, A., Nadrowska, N., Błażek, M., Białek, K., Zach, E., & Krywda-Rybska, D.

(2021). Parent's Stress Predictors during a Child's Hospitalization. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(22), 12019. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212019

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