Barriers to return to work after burn injuries.
OBJECTIVE
To identify barriers to return to work after burn injury as identified by the patient.


METHODS
A cohort study with telephone interview up to 1 year.


METHODS
Hospital-based burn centers at 3 national sites.


METHODS
Hospitalized patients (N=154) meeting the American Burn Association criteria for major burn injury, employed at least 20 hours a week at the time of injury, and with access to a telephone after discharge.


METHODS
Patients were contacted via telephone every 2 weeks up to 4 months, then monthly up to 1 year after discharge.


METHODS
A return to work survey was used to identify barriers that prevented patients from returning to work. A graphic rating scale determined the impact of each barrier.


RESULTS
By 1 year, 79.7% of patients returned to work. Physical and wound issues were barriers early after discharge. Although physical abilities continued to be a significant barrier up to 1 year, working conditions (temperature, humidity, safety) and psychosocial factors (nightmares, flashbacks, appearance concerns) became important issues in those with long-term disability.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of patients return to work after a burn injury. Although physical and work conditions are important barriers, psychosocial issues need to be evaluated and treated to optimize return to work.
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. esselman@u.washington.edu
Peter C
PC
Esselman
Shelley Wiechman
SW
Askay
Gretchen J
GJ
Carrougher
Dennis C
DC
Lezotte
Radha K
RK
Holavanahalli
Gina
G
Magyar-Russell
James A
JA
Fauerbach
Loren H
LH
Engrav
D002053:Burn Units; D002056:Burns / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016015:Logistic Models; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors