Burns
Volume 31, Issue 6 , Pages 692-695, September 2005

Long term functional outcomes and quality of life following severe burn injury

  • Martha Druery

      Affiliations

    • The Burns Unit, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
    • South Auckland Burn Service, Middlemore Hospital, P.O. Box 93311, Auckland, New Zealand
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Present address: Royal Childrens Hospital, Herston Road, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia.
    • ,
  • Tim La H. Brown

      Affiliations

    • South Auckland Burn Service, Middlemore Hospital, P.O. Box 93311, Auckland, New Zealand
    • ,
  • Michael Muller

      Affiliations

    • South Auckland Burn Service, Middlemore Hospital, P.O. Box 93311, Auckland, New Zealand

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, bum care professionals can be reassured that the effort is worthwhile.

Keywords: Burns, Function, Outcome

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0305-4179(05)00092-6

doi:10.1016/j.burns.2005.03.001

Refers to erratum:

  • Erratum to “Long term functional outcomes and quality of life following severe burn injury” [Burns 31 (6) (2005) 692–695]

    Martha Druery, Tim La H. Brown, Michael Muller
    Burns September 2006 (Vol. 32, Issue 6, Page 796)

Burns
Volume 31, Issue 6 , Pages 692-695, September 2005

Article Tools