Model System:

Burn

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J73946

Journal:


Burns

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 42, 5, 1067-1073

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined self-reported Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) scores in a longitudinal, multicenter cohort of survivors of major burns and identified risk factors associated with SWLS scores are identified. The SWLS is a validated 5-item instrument with items rated on a 1-7 Likert scale. Data from the Burn Model Systems database for burn survivors older than 9 years of age, from 1994 to 2014, were analyzed. Demographic and medical data were collected on each subject. The SWLS was completed at time of discharge (1,129 patients), 6 months after burn (1,231 patients), 12 months after burn (1,123 patients), and 24 months after burn (959 patients). The differences in scores over time were determined and scores for burn survivors were also compared to a non-burn, healthy population. Step-wise regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of SWLS scores at different time intervals. Mean total SWLS scores for burn survivors were unchanged and significantly below that of a non-burn population at all examined time points after burn. Although the mean SWLS score was unchanged over time, a large number of subjects demonstrated improvement or decrement of at least one SWLS category. Gender, burn size, length of stay (LOS), and school status were associated with SWLS scores at 6 months; scores at 12 months were associated with LOS, school status, and amputation; scores at 24 months were associated with LOS, school status, and drug abuse. Results showed that satisfaction with life after burn was consistently lower than that of non-burn norms. Furthermore, mean SWLS scores did not improve over the two-year follow-up period. This study demonstrates the need for continued efforts to improve patient-centered long term satisfaction with life after burn.

Author(s):


Goverman, J., Mathews, K., Nadler, D., Henderson, E., McMullen, K., Herndon, D., Meyer III, W., Fauerbach, J. A., Wiechman, S., Carrougher, G., Ryan, C. M., Schneider, J. C.