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Aim

To report a study of predictors of psychological symptoms in family members of patients with burns.

Background

Family members are important as a source of social support for patients undergoing prolonged rehabilitation. Little is known about psychological symptoms of family members of patients with burns, especially in the long term.

Design

The design of the study was prospective and longitudinal.

Methods

Forty-four family members of adult patients treated in a burn centre between 2000-2007 completed questionnaires during care and at 3, 6, and 12 months after injury. Psychological symptoms were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Predictors for anxiety and depression were explored in regression analyses.

Results

The mean scores indicated normal to mild symptoms in general. Moderate and severe symptom levels during care and at 12 months were demonstrated on the anxiety subscale by 15/44 and 5/39, respectively, and on the depression subscale by 5/44 and 0/39 of the family members, respectively. In the final regression models, the primary predictor was psychological symptoms at the previous assessment. Other predictors were previous life events, age, and the coping strategy avoidance.

Conclusion

Family members of patients with burns demonstrate normal to mild levels of psychological symptoms that decrease over time. One-third show moderate to severe anxiety symptoms during care and may benefit from counselling. Previous symptoms predict later symptoms, indicating that screening with a validated instrument is useful. The results provide guidance for nurses in assessing and planning adequate interventions for family members.

A severe burn not only affects the patients, but may also have a great impact on the lives of family members. It is known that family members of patients with burns experience psychological distress, but health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has not been studied in this group. The aim was to study predictors of HRQoL in family members of patients with burns. Forty-four family members of adult patients treated in a burn center, between 2000 and 2007, completed questionnaires during care, and at 3, 6, and 12 months after injury. HRQoL was assessed with the EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D), which consists of the dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain, and anxiety/depression. The questionnaire generates an EQ-5D index and a visual analog scale (VAS) score. Overall, the EQ-5D index was similar to that of the general population. A slight improvement in HRQoL was found in the VAS scores and in the anxiety/depression dimension over time. In regression models, HRQoL was primarily predicted by earlier life events, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and HRQoL, assessed during the patients’ hospitalization. In summary, HRQoL assessed with VAS scores increased slightly during the first year postburn, and early screening for life events and psychological symptoms, and HRQoL might be useful in identifying family members in need of support.

The aim was to explore experiences of care and rehabilitation in family members of patients with burns. Ten semi-structured interviews analyzed using qualitative content analysis resulted in seven categories related to the care: Feeling distress, Receiving excellent care, Being treated in an insensitive way, Reluctance towards giving care, Being the hub of the family network, Feeling hope, and Being thankful. Six categories were related to rehabilitation: Ambiguous feelings, Difficulties after discharge, Being forced to take responsibility, Handling the situation, Gaining support and Being thankful. Although there are positive experiences during care, family members experience the time in hospital and after discharge as distressful and could benefit from being cared for in a more individualized way. Improved communication between caregivers and the family member may be important. Family members need to be included in the planning of care and support offered at discharge could ease the burden on these individuals.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore family members’ experiences of support during burn care and during the rehabilitation phase after hospital discharge.

Background: Family members are important in the recovery process of patients with severe burns; however, few previous studies have focused on how this group experiences and values support during care and rehabilitation.

Methods: Ten semi-structured interviews with family members of patients treated at the national burn centres were recorded digitally, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using content analysis. The informants were included nationwide, most were females, and different socioeconomic groups were represented.

Results: Categories related to experiences during care were: Nonsupport, Professional support, Support from family and friends, A wish for support, and That little something extra. Categories related to experiences during rehabilitation were: Nonsupport, Professional support, Support from family and friends, Support from the injured person and Religion. Support from other family members and friends was generally considered the most important source of support, and there was a wish for more proactive support from care professionals.

Conclusion: The experience of support is individual, which makes supporting family members a complex task. Individualized treatment of family members and their inclusion in the care process are of central importance, as is identifying specific needs for support both during the time in hospital and during rehabilitation. It is important to be proactive and offer support.