Rehabilitation of female burns patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital : A longitudinal study

Background: Burn injuries have a considerable physical, psychological and economic impact on the patients, their families and society. Objectives: To create a liaison between burn victims and rehabilitation services so as to help the patients lead a better life. Methods: A longitudinal study of one and half year duration (May 2009 to October 2010) was conducted among female burn patients admitted in tertiary care hospital. Universal sampling method was employed. All the adult female burns patients above 18 years who were admitted during the study period and gave consent for study were included. Total number of study participants was 103. On first contact with the subject, a semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic details and details about burns injury. Subsequently each of them was followed up for a period of two months after their discharge from hospital to know about their health status / social problems and utilization of rehabilitation services depending upon their needs. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS17 version. Results: Case fatality rate was found to be 35%. Out of 48 women who were followed up, only 3(6.2%) had undergone reconstructive surgery for contractures while 14(29.1%) women had developed contractures. Only 15(31.2%) women were regularly attending physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions. Conclusion: Counseling services for rehabilitation of victims should be strengthened not only during hospital stay but also after discharge to emphasize on positive thinking, importance of physiotherapy and occupational therapy, prevention of secondary infections & contractures and vocational guidance for earning own livelihood.