A psychological follow-up study of adult patients discharged from a British burn unit.
An investigation of the psychological sequelae of two samples of burns patients is presented. Both samples are a nearly complete consecutive series of adult patients treated at a British Regional Burns Unit. Sixteen patients were interviewed at their first discharge from the ward and 6 months later. A further 15 patients were assessed 2 years after their first discharge. Systematic assessment included psychological questionnaires giving estimates of the severity of psychological disturbance. Thirty-one per cent of adults at discharge, 38 per cent at 6 months and 40 per cent at 2 years were sufficiently disturbed to require specialist referral. The type of help received and preferred by patients is also discussed and conclusions drawn about how burns unit staff can improve the adjustment of burns-injured adults.
Wallace
L M
LM
South Birmingham Health Authority Psychology Service, Monyhull Hospital, UK.
Lees
J
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002056:Burns / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D006113:United Kingdom