Since its opening in 1974, the UW Burn Center at Harborview has treated more than 15,000 patients, including almost all burn patients in Washington. Harborview was one of the first hospitals to adopt the approach of early removal of burned tissue, and was the first site of a major clinical trial for a temporary artificial skin graft, a technology that continues to advance. The survival rate at Harborview's burn unit is about 96 percent.
Especially important is the reduced length of hospital stay for most patients, enabling them to return to their lives as soon as possible. Most patients are back at work within a few months and children rarely, if ever, miss a year of school.
Multidisciplinary Team
The program's effectiveness is largely due to its team approach. General surgeons work closely with plastic surgeons to ensure the best possible outcome for patients. In addition to core medical staff, the multidisciplinary group also includes:
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Social workers
- Specialized nursing staff
- Psychologists
- Vocational rehabilitation therapists
- Dietician
- Pharmacist
- Special teams in the operating room
The center also treats patients with severe skin diseases, such as necrotizing fascitis. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, a drastic skin loss possibly due to a bad reaction to drugs, previously had a 20 percent survival rate, but treatment with burn care principles has improved that rate to 85 percent.
Prevention and Outreach
In addition to providing world renowned patient care, the UW Burn Center at Harborview also educates the community about burn prevention and treatment.
Burn center physicians and staff teach local children how to welcome back a classmate who has been burned. They also visit schools, businesses and fire departments as part of outreach efforts focused on burn prevention and safety.
To have a representative come to your school or business, please contact the burn center outreach coordinator at 206.744.3139.