Emerging from the trauma bubble: Redefining 'normal' after burn injury

Emotional trauma is recognised as a common feature in the experience of patients and families following burn injury and incidence may be unrelated to burn size and severity.

The aim of this study was to interpret the lived experience of hospitalisation and recovery following burn injury in Australia. This paper explores the early stages of emotional recovery, how people begin to redefine normality and the needs and supports they describe as integral to this process.

We used Heideggerian phenomenology, framed by Merleau-Ponty's philosophy of the body. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with 18 patient and family participants were collected 1-3 weeks after hospital discharge. Median %TBSA was 25.3 (range 3-68%).

From a point of being vulnerable, redefining normal was supported for all participants by family being close and involved, for family members by developing routines, and for patients by challenging physical otherness, rethinking work, finding empowerment through self-care, acknowledging a shared recovery and recognising a gradual return of 'good days'.

Emotional trauma is highly prevalent among patients and families in the early burn recuperation period where both distress and recovery may co-occur. Despite an initial sense of vulnerability, normality is gradually redefined through practices that keep family close, engage patients in early self-care and allow time, space and support for return to work. Patients, initially confronted by their own physical otherness, share their recovery with fellow burns survivors and seek affirmation from family to negotiate a 'different' normal, integrated into a new self-concept. Early rehabilitation may be strengthened by promoting carer involvement, patient self-efficacy and peer support.