34 Family Needs of Adult & Pediatric Burn Patients

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Family members play a significant role in recovery of the burn patient (Goyata & Rosi, 2009). A better understanding of their specific needs can greatly influence a burn patient’s rehabilitation and family adaptation during recovery. Prior research has identified family needs of critically ill patients (Hinkle 2009; Kinrade, 2009); few studies have looked at the specific needs in adult versus pediatric burn patients and whether these needs change throughout the course of hospitalization. The purpose of this study is to explore the needs of family members of burn patients to identify similarities and differences between adult and pediatric populations in order to aid nurses in prioritizing care instructions for burn families. Methods This IRB approved descriptive repeated measures study took place in a 12-bed burn center. 64 family members (39 adult; 25 pediatric) of burn patients participated. The 45-item Critical Care Family Needs Inventory (CCFNI) identified family member’s psychosocial needs related to assurance, information, proximity, comfort, & support on admission (ADM) and prior to discharge (DC). Descriptive statistics summarized study participant characteristics. T-test & chi-square techniques determined similarities and differences in adult and pediatric family members’ needs perceptions during the hospital stay. Results Majority of respondents were female (84%) often mother or spouse/significant other; age < 40yrs (96% peds; 64% adults). CCFNI scores were similar in adult vs. peds family members: ADM (3.27 vs 3.37), DC (2.91 vs 3.29). Assurance needs were greatest; self-care needs were least important. Adult family member needs for information, proximity and comfort decreased significantly from ADM to DC (p 0.05) but assurance needs were unchanged. Peds family member needs for assurance, information, proximity and comfort did not change from ADM to DC. Pediatric family needs remained “important to very important” throughout the stay while adult family member needs decreased in importance. Conclusions Identifying needs of family members of burn victims in the Burn ICU allows for early assessment and can aid in developing specific individualized plans for successful transition upon discharge. These findings can help nurses best meet the needs of the family & promote patient & family centered care. Applicability of Research to Practice Findings from this study can help inform the development of approaches to better understand the particular needs of family members and develop strategies to address those needs.