Ms Elizabeth Flannery1
1Western Sydney University, Sydney/Campbelltown, Australia
Abstract:
Due to the sudden and unexpected nature of trauma, people with severe burns and their significant others are unprepared for this traumatic life threatening event. The significant others may witness the event and are likely to be present during the intensive and painful treatment regimens and the longer term recovery process (Metaxa and Lavrentieva, 2015). Consequently, significant others are thought to be at increased risk of mental health concerns such as depression and PTSD (Anderson et al., 2008, Pochard et al., 2005, Cameron et al., 2016).
Our research aims to understand the experiences of significant others of patients with severe burn injury in the ICU.
Narrative inquiry was used to capture these stories.
Findings of our research reveal significant others of ICU patients with severe burn injury experience shock, numbness and disbelief and often feel alone and minimally supported. While many patients have little to no memory of their ICU experience, significant others often navigate and recall the experiences and associated trauma alone (Gullick et al., 2014).
Trauma informed care (TIC) acknowledges that patients and their significant others have experienced trauma and implements a system of care and support that protects against further traumatisation; promoting growth and empowerment post-trauma (Cleary et al., 2020). TIC is underutilised in severe burns care, with the impact of trauma particularly on significant others, being underrepresented in research. Our research provides a better understanding of the significant others’ experience, which is imperative in the implementation of TIC, and addressing the deficit in trauma care.
Biography:
Elizabeth is an Intensive Care nurse who has worked with patients with severe burn injury and their significant others for over 20 years. Elizabeth’s PhD research focuses on the experiences of significant others of patients with severe burn injury in the ICU setting.