Abstract
The CARe Burn Scales are a suite of burn-specific PROMs for adults, children, young people, and parents affected by burns. This study aimed to determine the responsiveness and minimal important difference (MID) values of the Adult Form for use in adult burn care and research. Participants were recruited by 11 UK Burn Services. They completed online or paper versions of the CARe Burn Scale –Adult Form and a set of appropriate comparison validated measures and anchor questions at baseline (T1, up to 4 weeks post-burn), 3 months (T2), and 6 months post-burn (T3). A total of 269 participants took part at baseline and 226 (84%) were retained at the 6-month follow-up. Spearman’s correlation analysis and effect sizes based on Cohen’s d thresholds were reported and MID values calculated. MID values were created for all subscales and ranged from 4–15. The CARe Burn Scale–Adult Form is responsive to change over time and can therefore be used to reliably inform the management of adults’ burn injury treatment and recovery. It is freely available for clinical and research use.
Highlights
Burn Scale–Adult Form is responsive to change over time and can be used to reliably inform the management of adults’ burn injury treatment and recovery
We have previously reported the responsiveness and minimal important difference (MID) values for the CARe Burn Scales for children, young people, and parents
Checklist for the design of responsiveness studies [21], the CARe Burn Scale—Adult Form was tested in comparison to other validated measures which assess similar constructs to determine evidence of responsiveness
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. The impact of a burn injury can be extensive and enduring. The injury, its treatment, and subsequent scarring can be associated with physical symptoms including pain, sensitivity, itching, and restricted mobility, as well as psycho-social difficulties such as trauma symptoms, social anxiety, and sleep disturbance [1–4]. Comments, and unsolicited questions from other people can lead to social avoidance, withdrawal, fear of being negatively judged, and detrimental impacts on self-esteem and quality of life [5]. Scars and an altered appearance can impact body image and, for some, present difficulties around work and concerns around establishing and maintaining romantic and intimate relationships [2]. Whilst some adults manage the challenges they face very well and may demonstrate positive outcomes and personal growth [6,7], others struggle to make the adjustment and redefine a sense of normality [8]
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