Motivating patients towards better recovery after burn: The development of a booklet to reframe perspectives

Abstract

Introduction: Posttraumatic growth after burn results from integrated changes in worldview. It incorporates acceptance, belief in the self, compassion, determination and planning, emotional management and family/friend support.

Method: The booklet was developed in two phases. In the first phase burn survivors were invited to tell their stories pertaining to their burn recovery experiences. These stories were categorised into the above framework, and presented alongside supporting information from the burn clinical psychologist in an initial draft of the booklet. In the second phase of the study, a combination of one-to-one interviews and a focus group of burn survivors discussed, suggested improvements to the final booklet and evaluated for usefulness and acceptability.

Results: A booklet was developed with a blend of patient stories and professional advice to positively reframe, integrate changed perspectives and motivate patients towards better psychological recovery after burn. It was evaluated to be useful and acceptable to new burn patients.

Conclusion: This booklet, designed to positively reframe perspectives for better psychosocial burn recovery, was developed with patients and evaluated by patients. It was found to be useful and acceptable to new burn patients.

Keywords: Burn; Posttraumatic growth; Reframe; Trauma.