Abstract
Introduction
Providing peer support group programs for burn survivors and their caregivers is an integral part of facilitating short- and long-term psychosocial recovery. Despite this, there is a lack of availability and standardization of these groups, which is partly due to a paucity of literature on this subject. The purpose of this study is to review the literature of the various types of peer support groups programs and their subsequent impact on psychosocial outcomes for burn survivors and their families.
Methods
A systematic review of the literature utilizing PubMed, PsycINFO, and Medline, was conducted for articles published between 1990 and 2018. Searches used the AND function to identify articles that crossed both a burn term (burn patient OR burn survivor OR burn care OR burn recovery) and a support group-related term (support, peer participation, aftercare, burn camp, outpatient group, inpatient group, group training). Inclusion criteria were studies in English, human subjects, peer support group programs, and studies that assessed psychosocial outcomes.
Results
Twenty articles met our inclusion criteria (7 for outpatient groups, 3 for inpatient groups, 2 for combined inpatient/outpatient groups, and 8 for burn camps). For outpatient peer support programs, all articles (n=7) demonstrated improvements in psychosocial outcomes including life satisfaction, acceptance of self, and reduced levels of isolation. For inpatient programs, all articles (n=3) reported improvements in emotional processing, concerns from caregivers, and coping strategies. The 2 articles that examined combined inpatient/outpatient programs reported substantial declines in post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. Interestingly, findings were inconsistent for burn camps, 5 articles reported improvements in self-esteem, social integration, and reduced anxiety and depression while 3 articles demonstrated no significant changes.
Conclusions
Peer support group programs in various settings improve psychosocial well-being for both patients and caregivers. Inpatient/outpatient regimens were consistently beneficial while burn camps had inconsistent findings.
Applicability of Research to Practice
Peer support group programs are necessary for effective burn survivor and caregiver healing, regardless of format. Our ABA-verified burn center is currently working on a study to determine optimal inpatient/outpatient regimens of peer support.
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