Lived Experiences of Adult Burn Survivors with Post-Burn Contractures

The article documents the life changes and challenges that are experienced by individuals who suffer from burns with long-lasting injury, and what are the available support mechanisms for these individuals. The experiences are drawn from a qualitative phenomenological inquiry conducted at a leading facility for burns treatment in Navi Mumbai, where people from across the country can access free non-cosmetic corrective surgery for burn-related contracture. In-depth interviews have been conducted with nine participants and three key informants. Burns are commonly experienced as a disabling phenomenon, with the repercussions being experienced in the activities of daily living, finances, social roles, and social participation. We have noted, not only the changes in physical and emotional self but also the difficulty in accepting the changed self. Traversing and negotiating the fragmented healthcare system has been a baffling experience that is riddled with expensive, complex, and protracted treatment procedures. The uncertainty around the prognosis and treatment are sources of distress for the participants and their families. The paper concludes by indicating the need and scope for social work interventions in the lived experiences of adult burn survivors.