Citation

Reeve J, James F, McNeill R, Brown P, Cameron L, Mills S. J. Burn Care Res. 2011; 32(4): 468-474.

Affiliation

Health Systems Group, Centre for Health Services Research and Policy, School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Auckland; National Burn Centre, Middlemore Hospital, South Auckland; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Auckland; and Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Counties Manukau DHB, Auckland, New Zealand.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, American Burn Association, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/BCR.0b013e3182223c46

PMID

21747333

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine whether functional and psychosocial outcomes after burn injury in New Zealand are consistent with the international literature. Fifty participants with burns >10% TBSA and a mean of 5.1 years since burn completed a survey that included questionnaires and open-ended questions. The rates of psychosocial distress for this sample were consistent with international reports. Psychological distress was predicted by negative change in income and by reports that the individual has hidden thoughts and emotions from others. Respondents also described positive changes in their life as a result of the burn injury that were independent of negative outcomes. Participants indicated good long-term functional improvement but ongoing psychological distress. Important indicators for poor outcome may be loss of income and reluctance to discuss emotions.

Language: en