The Impact of Peer Support Group Programs on Psychosocial Outcomes for Burn Survivors and Caregivers: A Review of the Literature

Author(s):  
Paul Won ◽  
Mariel S Bello ◽  
Sarah A Stoycos ◽  
Brenda T Carrera ◽  
Dawn M Kurakazu ◽  
...  

Abstract Peer support group programs are often recommended for burn survivors as a way to facilitate their psychosocial recovery and reintegration into the community. Such programs provide opportunities for burn patients and their caretakers to access emotional and informational support from healthcare providers and other survivors in inpatient or outpatient settings. Despite their popularity, however, there is little information currently available on the efficacy of these groups. In response, we reviewed the existing literature on peer support group programs and their impacts on psychosocial outcomes for burn survivors and their caregivers. A systematic review of the literature utilizing PubMed, PsycINFO, and Medline databases was conducted for articles published between 1990 and 2018. Twenty-five articles including inpatient, outpatient, integrative peer support groups, and burn camps met our inclusion criteria. All inpatient peer support group program articles (n = 4) reported associations with psychosocial improvements. Integrative peer support group program articles (n = 2) reported associations with social integration and reduction in post-traumatic stress and anxiety. All outpatient peer support group program articles (n = 8) demonstrated associations with psychosocial outcomes involving life satisfaction, acceptance of self, and reduced levels of isolation. Findings were less consistent for burn camps: eight articles suggested improvements in psychological outcomes while three articles reported no significant psychosocial effects. Although these results are encouraging, further study is indicated both to replicate these findings, and to determine the optimal implementation of inpatient and outpatient peer support programs.

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S216-S217
Author(s):  
Mariel S Bello ◽  
Sarah A Stoycos ◽  
Brenda T Carrera ◽  
Dawn Kurakazu ◽  
John Briere ◽  
...  

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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Scheel ◽  
Andrea Beaton ◽  
Emmy Okello ◽  
Chris T. Longenecker ◽  
Isaac Omara Otim ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Taylor ◽  
Loyola McLean ◽  
Anthony Korner ◽  
Nicholas Glozier

Objective: Shark bites are rare, with intense media exposure. There are no known studies of the psychological impacts of this specific type of traumatic event. This is the first study that describes those directly and indirectly affected, and evaluates the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related risk factors. Methods: In total, 124 members of an Australian shark-bite peer-support group were invited to complete an online survey assessing demographic, event, media and psychological factors. Response rate was 48% ( n = 60, 63% male, 44 ± 14 years). Retrospective and current measures of PTSD (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 [PCL-5]) and suicidality (Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale [SIDAS-5]) were used. Results: Post-event PTSD was prevalent in this sample ( n = 16/59, 27.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [15.4, 38.8]), but less so currently ( n = 2/55, 3.6%, 95% CI = [0.0, 8.7]). In addition, nine ( n = 9/59, 15.3%, 95% CI = [5.8, 24.7]) had subthreshold, but highly symptomatic, syndromes post event. There was no association of PTSD with direct/indirect bite involvement, gender, or prior trauma. Two respondents were at risk of suicidal behaviour. PTSD was commonly reported by those without a partner (odds ratio [OR] = 5.91, 95% CI = [1.52, 22.99], p = 0.01) or with two friends or fewer to rely on (OR = 5.83, 95% CI = [1.62, 21.01], p = 0.01). PTSD was more likely in those with a negative media experience ( n = 34/52, 65.4%, OR = 11.90, 95% CI = [1.42, 100.04], p = 0.02) and 61.5% ( n = 32/52) of respondents reported media coverage lasting months or years. In multivariate modelling, negative media impact, relationship status and friendships were independently associated with PTSD and explained much of the variance in PTSD ( F4,41 = 10.94, p < 0.0001, r2 = 0.52). Conclusion: Nearly one-third of members of an Australian shark-bite peer-support group report post-event PTSD, and one-quarter of these were not present at the time of the event. Findings support interventions targeting negative media impact, similar to media reporting guidelines for suicide, and enhancing social support.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Brandsma ◽  
Kirsten Visser

There is a growing interest in the co-occurrence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender dysphoria (GD). Research has shown that people with ASD show more gender variance than people without ASD. Due to the difficulties associated with ASD (limited social skills, problems in information processing and difficulty with change), regular GD treatment does not seem to be adequately equipped for this specific group. In this study we want to gain insight into the clinical needs of adolescents with ASD and GD and their parents. We are conducting a pilot study to the effects of a specific peer support group for adolescents with ASD and GD on quality of life. A pre-posttest design is used. Prior to the start of the support group, during each meeting and at the end of the support group, the adolescents fill out several short questionnaires. The ASD and Gender support group consists of nine monthly meetings for the adolescents, covering topics such as autism and gender-related needs, psychoeducation on medical interventions, environmental factors, gender expression and practicing gender presentation skills. Simultaneously, parents can follow the parent meetings. Currently, three rounds of the peer support group have started (each round with about 10-12 adolescents).


2022 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-11
Author(s):  
Marie Vigouroux ◽  
Kristina Amja ◽  
Richard B. Hovey

Introduction : Scoliosis in a condition where a curve develops in the spine. Adolescent girls affected by scoliosis are significantly more likely to require treatment such as bracing or surgery than their male counterparts. Curvy Girls is a peer support group for adolescent girls with scoliosis that allows them to engage with each other in a safe environment. Objectives : This study endeavours to explore the experiences of adolescent girls living with scoliosis who are Curvy Girls members and understand how this peer support group has affected their experience. Approach : Sixteen participants were recruited through a senior board member of Curvy Girls. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using an applied philosophical hermeneutic approach, a practice of uncovering insights from transformational conversation. Findings : We found that the participants’ sense of belonging to Curvy Girls did not depend on their level of involvement with the group. Whether they were leaders in their in-person local group, or simply following the organization on social media, seeing themselves represented allowed the participants to feel like they belonged to the group. Future Directions : These findings may help clinicians, healthcare professionals, and peer support organisations deepen their understanding of the perspectives of this specific population. This transformed understanding could lead to the instauration of care and services that are better adapted to this population’s needs, resulting in lessening the burden of the condition on the individual and their support system.  


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