Creating Peer Support Groups for Burn Patients
Justin Hunt1, Carl Gooch Jason Brown 1Royal Brisbane And Women’s Hospital
Abstract
Purpose:
This poster presents a comprehensive guide on the benefits of peer support groups for burns patients and the necessary steps to establish such groups.
Background:
Burn injuries can result in significant emotional trauma, with stress disorders and PTSD reported in up to a third of patients (Mashadi-Abdollahi et al. 2011). Studies have shown that peer support groups are effective in improving social integration, reducing post-traumatic stress and anxiety, improving life satisfaction, self-acceptance, and reducing feelings of isolation (Won et al. 2021).
Methods:
This poster outlines the logistics involved in setting up a peer support group, including choosing an appropriate location, timing, and facilitation style. The success of peer support groups relies heavily on creating a safe emotional environment that respects personal boundaries, including physical, emotional, and spiritual boundaries. Confidentiality must be upheld, and a non-judgmental space must be created for individuals to share their experiences.
Conclusion:
By implementing the guidelines presented in this poster, healthcare providers can establish successful peer support groups that enhance the lives of burns patients.
References:
1.Mashadi-Abdollahi, H. et al. (2011) “Stress disorder and PTSD after burn injuries: A prospective study of predictors of PTSD at Sina Burn Center, Iran,” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, p. 425. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2147/ndt.s23041.
2.Won, P. et al. (2021) “The impact of peer support group programs on psychosocial outcomes for burn survivors and caregivers: A review of the literature,” Journal of Burn Care & Research, 42(4), pp. 600–609. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/irab042.
Biography
Justin is a JHO at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. He is passionate about burn surgery and using evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes.