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Published on: February 23, 2024
Paediatric burns: from the voice of the child
Sarah McGarry1, Catherine Elliott2, Ann McDonald3
1Princess Margaret Hospital, Burns Total Care Unit, Australia; School of Exercise and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Australia.
Insights
Pediatric burn survivors experience significant trauma during both the initial injury and recovery phases. Understanding these psychological experiences is crucial for improving holistic care and support for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Qualitative Research Methodology
Background:
- Burns are a common pediatric injury, yet psychological trauma research remains limited.
- Enhanced understanding of children's burn experiences is vital for holistic care improvements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the psychological experiences of children following a burn injury.
- Utilizing phenomenology to gain in-depth insights into pediatric burn survivors' perspectives.
Main Methods:
- In-depth interviews with 12 children (aged 8-15) six months post-burn surgery.
- Phenomenological approach using the seven-step Coliazzi method for thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Trauma is central, encompassing burn and recovery phases.
- Six key themes identified: recurrent trauma, return to normalcy, behavioral changes, scarring, family, and adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Findings inform clinical care across the entire burn journey.
- Recommendations for developing comprehensive psychosocial support and management plans for pediatric burn patients.
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.
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