788 Improving Burn Camp Attendance: A Quality Improvement Study and Implications for Future Planning

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Based on research showing the benefits of camp settings, our overnight, 5-day summer camp is designed to provide social support, acceptance, rehabilitation, and normative childhood experiences for our pediatric burn survivors (ages 7–17). Typical recreational activities (e.g., swimming, sports, crafts) and burn-specific programming (e.g., peer support discussions) are infused into camp. Despite this enriching opportunity, some individuals decide not to attend camp. The purpose of this quality improvement study was to better understand factors influencing decisions not to attend our summer camp and to identify strategies for overcoming these barriers to optimize attendance in the future. Methods Beginning in February 2019, we attempted to contact and interview 81 guardians of children who were eligible and invited to our summer camp but did not attend in 2017 and/or 2018. Attempts to contact were made via telephone by a trained burncamp staff member. Three attempts to contact were made per family unless otherwise reached. Our interview guide elicited reasons that led to their decision not to attend camp. Interviews were completed in approximately 30 minutes or less. Results Sixty-four contacts were unsuccessful, resulting in a 79% failure to contact rate. Only 17 individuals (21%) were successfully contacted. Thirteen caregivers (16%) completed the interview via telephone, while 4 (5%) refused to take part in the interview. Principal reasons for non-attendance included school attendance, parental beliefs about camp (e.g., child being away from home), other conflicting activities (e.g., other camps, vacations), and perceived lack of need for support (e.g., my child is doing well/does not need to go to a burn camp). Conclusions Despite the positive psychosocial outcomes observed among survivors who attend camp, large numbers of families and youth are not attending. While the purpose of the study was to explore factors influencing decisions not to attend camp, we also learned that it is important to address barriers to successfully contacting families. Challenges in planning the logistics of camp, specific strategies for engaging families over time, and ideas for addressing reported barriers to attendance (e.g., empowering well-adjusted survivors to attend to support others) will be discussed in this presentation. Applicability of Research to Practice Results from this quality improvement project have impacted camp planning and recruitment strategies. Findings may lead to increased enrollment rates and enhanced awareness of camp and its benefits.