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

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Health Services Research
• Burn Care Management

Background:

• Burn survivors often experience chronic sequelae and lack adequate post-discharge resources.
• This study addresses the need to identify healthcare institution resources for adult burn survivors' community reintegration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and categorize resources provided by healthcare institutions for adult burn survivors after discharge.
• To analyze the implementation processes of these aftercare resources.

Main Methods:

• A convenience sample of healthcare providers from 14 U.S. and Canadian institutions described resources and implementation.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Core Set for burn injury was used as a framework.
• Data collected included resource type, content, delivery method, and timing.

Main Results:

• 255 burn aftercare resources were identified, primarily categorized under Environmental Factors (49.0%) and Activities and Participation (39.2%).
• Key topics covered include health services, emotional health, self-management, and wound care; however, fatigue, sleep, and thermoregulation were underrepresented.
• Resources were mainly implemented by social workers, nurses, and therapists, often provided as handouts or verbally to inpatients.

Conclusions:

• The study provides an overview of current burn aftercare resources and highlights content gaps.
• The ICF Core Set for burn injury effectively identified strengths and weaknesses in resource provision.
• Understanding implementation trends can guide future efforts to optimize post-discharge support for burn survivors.