Abstract
SummaryBackgroundAs a consequence of improved survival rates after burn injury occupational reintegration of burn survivors has gained increasing significance. We aimed to develop a precise patient questionnaire as a tool to evaluate factors contributing to occupational reintegration.Material and methodsA questionnaire comprising 20 questions specifically evaluating occupational reintegration was developed under psychological supervision. The single-center questionnaire study was implemented in patients with burn injuries who were admitted to the 6‑bed burn intensive care unit (BICU) of the General Hospital of Vienna, Austria (2004–2013). The questionnaire was sent to burn survivors of working age (18–60 years) with an abbreviated burn severity index (ABSI) of 6 or greater, a total burn surface area (TBSA) of 15% or greater, and a BICU stay of at least 24 h.ResultsA total of 112 burn survivors met the inclusion criteria and were contacted by mail. Of the 112 patients 11 (10%) decided to participate in the study and 218/220 questions (99%) in 11 patients were answered. Out of 11 patients 7 (64%) reported successful return to work and 4 of 11 (36%) did not resume their occupation. Advanced age, longer BICU and hospital stays, higher TBSA, burn at work, lower education, and problems with esthetic appearance seemed to impair patients’ return to their occupation.ConclusionWhen implementing the questionnaire, severely burned patients with higher age, lower education, and longer hospital and BICU stay seemed at high risk for failed reintegration in their profession after burn injury.
Highlights
Occupational reintegration after severe burn injury: a questionnaire study 625 short report ucation, and longer hospital and burn intensive care unit (BICU) stay seemed at high risk for failed reintegration in their profession after burn injury
Because of enhanced surgical treatment and intensive care medicine, the survival of burn patients was significantly increased during the last decades
A total of 112 patients were contacted for study participation and 11 (10%) patients decided to participate: 7 of 11 (64%) of the study participants were successfully reintegrated into an occupation, 10 of 11 (91%) of these patients were male and 1 patient was female
Summary
Because of enhanced surgical treatment and intensive care medicine, the survival of burn patients was significantly increased during the last decades. The need for full social and economic reintegration after the burn injury has increased [1]. Return to employment after a burn injury can be considered to be the best functional outcome possible after surviving a severe burn [2]. Pain, scarring, and adaption to the post-burn esthetic appearance are difficulties that need to be overcome to achieve full socioeconomic rehabilitation after a burn injury [3, 4]. Previous studies showed the great importance of return to employment for the patient’s health and well-being. Failure of return to work resulted in lower health-related quality of life [7]. Lack of socioeconomic reintegration and absenteeism from work after burn injury contribute to the already high costs of a burn injury [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
