Exploring “return to productivity” among people living with burn injury: A burn model system national database report

Model System:

Burn

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J88916

Journal:

Journal of Burn Care And Research (formerly Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation)

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2021 , 42, 6, 1081-1086

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study investigated patterns of productivity change among burn survivors after their injury compared to their preinjury income. Occupational and income data through 24 months postinjury were extracted from the multicenter, longitudinal Burn Model System National Database. Annual income was reported in six groups: <$25k, $25k–50k, $50k–99k, $100k–149k, $150k–199k, and $>199k. Four hundred fifty-three participants provided complete income data at discharge and follow-up. Participants were classified by change in income at each follow-up (i.e., gain, loss, and equivalent). Explanatory variables included demographics, injury characteristics, insurance payer, employment status, and job type. Multilevel, multivariable logistic regression was used to model return to productivity. Of the 302 participants employed preinjury, 180 (60 percent) returned to work within 24 months postinjury. Less than half (138) returned to productivity (46 percent of participants employed preinjury; 77 percent of those who returned to work). Characteristics associated with return to productivity included older age, Hispanic ethnicity, burn size greater than 20 percent of total body surface area, and postinjury employment. In this study, more than half of the employed people living with burn injury experienced loss in productivity within 24 months postinjury. Even if they return to work, people living with burn injuries face challenges returning to productivity and may benefit from vocational rehabilitation and/or financial assistance.

Author(s):