Physical, psychological, and social outcomes in pediatric burn survivors ages 5 to 18 years: A systematic review

Model System:

Burn

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J89125

Journal:

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

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2022 , 43, 2, 343-352

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study identified the published literature that focuses on the impact of burn injuries on physical, psychological, or social functioning, and summarized the characteristics of the studies and their outcomes. The authors included literature published after 1980, focusing on burn outcomes in children aged 5 to 18 years. Each eligible study was systematically reviewed, and primary outcomes were classified into outcome domains based on existing frameworks. Fifty-eight studies met inclusion criteria: 24 studies addressed physical functioning, 47 addressed psychological functioning, and 29 addressed social functioning. Most of the studies had sample sizes of less than 100 participants, burn size of less than 40 percent, and findings reported by parents and/or burn survivors. Only eight of 107 different measures were used in three or more studies. Parents and burn survivors generally reported better physical and social outcomes and worse psychological functioning compared to non-burn populations. Physical disabilities were associated with psychological and social functioning in several studies. Follow-up data reported improvements across domains. This review demonstrates the importance of physical, psychological, and social status as long-term outcomes in burn survivors. Mixed findings across three outcome domains warrant long-term research. Findings of this review will guide the foundation of comprehensive burn and age-specific instruments to assess burn recovery.

Author(s):