Dr Lisa Martin1, Mr Stuart Andrews2, Professor Suzanne Rea1,2, Professor Fiona Wood1,2
1University Of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia, 2Burn Service of Western Australia, Murdoch, Australia
Abstract:
Posttraumatic growth (PTG) after burn results from integrated changes in worldview. Posttraumatic growth is not the opposite of posttraumatic stress. Appropriate responses to stressors can trigger PTG, and then they occur together (Martin et al., 2017). PTG incorporates acceptance, belief in the self, compassion, determination and planning, emotional management and family/friend support (Martin et al., 2016).
A resource for patients was developed with patients. First, burn survivors told their burn recovery experiences. These were categorised into the above framework, integrated with relevant, evidence-based information and activities as recommended by the clinical psychologist. Next the draft was evaluated with patient interviews and a focus group.
A booklet was developed with a blend of patient stories and professional advice to positively reframe, integrate changed perspectives and motivate patients towards better psychological recovery after burn. It was evaluated to be useful and acceptable to new burn patients.
This resource, designed to positively reframe and guide recovery, was developed with patients and evaluated by patients and was found to be useful and acceptable to new burn patients.
MARTIN, L., BYRNES, M., BULSARA, M. K., MCGARRY, S., REA, S. & WOOD, F. 2017. Quality of life and posttraumatic growth after adult burn: A prospective, longitudinal study. Burns, 43, 1400-1410.
MARTIN, L., BYRNES, M., MCGARRY, S., REA, S. & WOOD, F. 2016. Evaluation of the posttraumatic growth inventory after severe burn injury in Western Australia: clinical implications for use. Disability and Rehabilitation, 38, 2398-2405.
Biography:
Lisa has worked in burns research for the past ten years. Her nursing background was in critical care, followed by clinical trials and research nursing in general medicine and cardiology. She has completed a PhD in psychological recovery after adult burn and continued post-doctoral studies in this area.