Patient perception of long-term burn-specific health and congruence with the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief.

Abstract

This qualitative study aims to explore former burn patients' perception of burn-specific health and investigate how these experiences correspond to the subscales in the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B). Respondents were former burn patients, admitted to the Uppsala Burn Centre between 2000 and 2007. A total of 20 respondents with a Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) of 20% or larger, were approached at 10-17years after burn and interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Despite extensive burn injuries, respondents said they led a close-to-normal life. Their descriptions validated the significance of the existing themes of BSHS-B. Additional themes of importance for health after burn were skin related problems, morphine de-escalation, the importance of work, stress and avoidance, mentality and the healthcare system. The BSHS-B alone may not be sufficient in providing a comprehensive picture of former burn patients' self-perceived health in the long-term perspective. Investigating supplementary areas reflecting former patients' sociocultural and attitudinal environment, as well as personal factors, may be of great importance.