title: Emerging from the trauma bubble: Redefining 'normal' after burn injury.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Emotional trauma is recognised as a common feature in the experience of patients and families following burn injury and incidence may be unrelated to burn size and severity.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to interpret the lived experience of hospitalisation and recovery following burn injury in Australia. This paper explores the early stages of emotional recovery, how people begin to redefine normality and the needs and supports they describe as integral to this process.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used Heideggerian phenomenology, framed by Merleau-Ponty's philosophy of the body. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with 18 patient and family participants were collected 1-3 weeks after hospital discharge. Median %TBSA was 25.3 (range 3-68%).
  
  
  RESULTS
  From a point of being vulnerable, redefining normal was supported for all participants by family being close and involved, for family members by developing routines, and for patients by challenging physical otherness, rethinking work, finding empowerment through self-care, acknowledging a shared recovery and recognising a gradual return of 'good days'.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Emotional trauma is highly prevalent among patients and families in the early burn recuperation period where both distress and recovery may co-occur. Despite an initial sense of vulnerability, normality is gradually redefined through practices that keep family close, engage patients in early self-care and allow time, space and support for return to work. Patients, initially confronted by their own physical otherness, share their recovery with fellow burns survivors and seek affirmation from family to negotiate a 'different' normal, integrated into a new self-concept. Early rehabilitation may be strengthened by promoting carer involvement, patient self-efficacy and peer support.
authors.affiliation: Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: Rae A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: Susan B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Taggart
authors.affiliation: Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District, Australia. Electronic address: janice.gullick@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Janice G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Gullick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D002056:Burns / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017028:Caregivers; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010379:Peer Group; D011209:Power, Psychological; D000067073:Psychological Trauma / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Burns; Family; PTSD; Peer support; Phenomenology; Rehabilitation