The lived experiences of burn survivors' adaptation post hospital discharge

Abstract

With the decrease in burn mortality following improved burn care facilities and methods, burn survivors are often left with residual physical and psychosocial consequences that they have to cope with requiring adaptation and modification of lifestyle. Burn survivors habitually receive excellent treatment for their wounds while in hospital but may experience challenges due to disruption of care and rehabilitation after discharge. This aim of the study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of burn survivors’ adaptation post hospital discharge. A qualitative, hermeneutic, phenomenological design using an interpretive framework was used. A purposeful sampling was used in the selection of nine participants who were above 18 years and had been admitted to the Limpopo Burn Unit while still undergoing reviews at the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using unstructured open-ended questions. Data were analysed using the Colaizzi’s strategy. Three main themes emerged from the data, along with sub-themes. (a)The burn survival experience involved the person in totality with reference to their internal and external environment. (b)The process of recovery was lengthy and started in hospital and continued post discharge at home. (c) Reclaiming their life and finding new meaning was a process of adaptation. The core of the participants’ needs included the need for the care and rehabilitation of the whole person in terms of their physical and psychosocial aspects, the importance of the survivor’s involvement in his/her care, and the rehabilitation. Health care personnel and family support during this difficult time should be available in order to enable the survivors to cope and adapt effectively and reclaim their lives.