Sarah McGarry1, Catherine Elliott2, Ann McDonald3, Jane Valentine2, Fiona Wood4, Sonya Girdler5. 1. Princess Margaret Hospital, Burns Total Care Unit, Australia; School of Exercise and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Australia. Electronic address: sarah.mcgarry@health.wa.gov.au. 2. School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia, Australia; Princess Margaret Hospital, Paediatric Rehabilitation, Australia. 3. School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia, Australia; Princess Margaret Hospital, Psychological Medicine, Australia. 4. Princess Margaret Hospital, Burns Total Care Unit, Australia; Burns Service Western Australia, Australia; Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Australia. 5. School of Exercise and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Australia; School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Centre for Research into Disability and Society, Curtin Health, Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Australia.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Despite burns being common in children, research into the psychological experience and trauma remains limited. Improvements in the professional understanding of children's experiences will assist in improving holistic care. PURPOSE: This study uses phenomenology, a qualitative methodology to explore the psychological experiences following a burn injury in children. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted six months after burn with 12 (six girls and six boys) children who underwent surgery for a burn. The children were aged eight to 15 years. The interview examined the overall experience of children and included probing questions exploring participants' perceptions, thoughts and feelings. Transcripts were analysed according to the seven-step Coliazzi method. Relationships between themes were explored to identify core concepts. RESULTS: The findings demonstrated that trauma was central to the burn experience and comprised two phases: the burn trauma and the recovery trauma. Six themes emerged as a result of this experience: ongoing recurrent trauma; returning to normal activities; behavioural changes; scarring-the permanent reminder; family and adaptation. CONCLUSION: This research has clinical implications as its findings can be used to inform clinical care at all stages of the burn journey. These research conclusions could be used to develop comprehensive information and support management plans for children. This would complement and support the surgical and medical treatment plan, providing direction for comprehensive service delivery and improved psychosocial outcomes in children.
INTRODUCTION: Despite burns being common in children, research into the psychological experience and trauma remains limited. Improvements in the professional understanding of children's experiences will assist in improving holistic care. PURPOSE: This study uses phenomenology, a qualitative methodology to explore the psychological experiences following a burn injury in children. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted six months after burn with 12 (six girls and six boys) children who underwent surgery for a burn. The children were aged eight to 15 years. The interview examined the overall experience of children and included probing questions exploring participants' perceptions, thoughts and feelings. Transcripts were analysed according to the seven-step Coliazzi method. Relationships between themes were explored to identify core concepts. RESULTS: The findings demonstrated that trauma was central to the burn experience and comprised two phases: the burn trauma and the recovery trauma. Six themes emerged as a result of this experience: ongoing recurrent trauma; returning to normal activities; behavioural changes; scarring-the permanent reminder; family and adaptation. CONCLUSION: This research has clinical implications as its findings can be used to inform clinical care at all stages of the burn journey. These research conclusions could be used to develop comprehensive information and support management plans for children. This would complement and support the surgical and medical treatment plan, providing direction for comprehensive service delivery and improved psychosocial outcomes in children.
Authors: Janine M Duke; Sean M Randall; Thirthar P Vetrichevvel; Sarah McGarry; James H Boyd; Suzanne Rea; Fiona M Wood Journal: Burns Trauma Date: 2018-11-13
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