REsource Support To Optimize REcovery (RESTORE) document study: Evaluating aftercare resources for burn survivors

Burn survivors may face chronic adverse sequelae from burn injury and report a lack of resources during the aftercare phase of recovery after discharge. This study aimed to identify the resources provided by healthcare institutions to assist adult burn survivors in the post-discharge transition to living in their communities.

A convenience sample of burn injury healthcare providers in the United States and Canada described resources provided to adult burn survivors and implementation processes. The World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Set for burn injury provided a conceptual framework to categorize resources. Implementation documentation included who, when, where, and how the resources were provided.

In total, 14 (13 U.S., 1 Canadian) healthcare institutions provided information about 255 burn aftercare resources. Organizing resources through the ICF revealed that 49.0 % were related to Environmental Factors, 39.2 % to Activities and Participation, and 11.8 % to Body Functions. Important topics covered included health services, professionals, handling stress and emotional health, self-management of burn injury sequelae, and wound care. Some topics not covered included fatigue, sleep, respiratory functioning, and thermoregulation. Resource implementation was carried out largely by social workers, nurses, and therapists. Most resources were distributed as handouts, packets, or verbally, and were provided to inpatients, primarily as needed, on day of discharge, or at admission.

This study gives an overview of the burn aftercare resources currently provided in participating healthcare institutions. The ICF Core Set for burn injury provided useful strategies for examining resources to identify strengths and content gaps. Implementation trends can inform efforts to effectively provide resources.