title: Long term functional outcomes and quality of life following severe burn injury.
abstract: This study was designed to examine functional and psychological outcome of severely burned patients adults. Adult patients (n=38) admitted to the Royal Brisbane hospital with burns >40% TBSA were assessed two years post injury using the Abbreviated BSHS and a supplemental questionnaire relating to specific physiotherapy and occupational health issues. An average return to driving occurred at 36 weeks and return to work at 51 weeks. Involvement of the hands and face significantly altered the physical domain of the questionnaire and the sub-domain examining role. Genital burns altered the sexual sub-domain, but this was not gender dependant. Mobility and self care were significantly altered when a burn was >20% TBSA full thickness. The study demonstrates that these patients can develop functional independence and good quality of life. The long term outlook for patients with large burns is generally positive. Consequently, burn care professionals can be reassured that the effort is worthwhile.
authors.affiliation: The Burns Unit, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia. Martha_Druery@health.qld.gov.au
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Druery
authors.forename: Tim La H
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: La H Brown
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Muller
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001334:Automobile Driving; D001828:Body Image; D002056:Burns / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function