A European hospital survey to determine the extent of psychological services offered to patients with severe burns.

Analogous to a hospital survey in North America (the US and Canada) a survey in Europe was performed to determine the extent of psychological services offered in burn units. The questionnaire used to acquire this information was exactly the same in both continents. One hundred and seventy questionnaires and self-addressed stamped envelopes were sent to the medical manager of the European burn units with the request to pass the questionnaire to the person who provides psychological care to patients in the burn units. The questionnaire was translated into four other languages. Response was 103 (62.8%). The questions posed inquired after what percentage of patients received psychological testing, psychological therapy, displayed symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress, what percentage is given referral and if emotional follow-up is arranged. Also questions about whether staff members of the burn unit displayed symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress were enclosed. Results indicated that few burn units in Europe provide formal psychological testing for their patients and in half of the European hospitals, less than 20% of the patients receive psychological therapy or counselling during their stay in the hospital. Aftercare services are also capable of improvement. Compared with North America, Europe provided less psychological services. No statistical differences were found between countries within Europe.