The profile and experiences of burn-injured patients in KwaZulu-Natal who received rehabilitation to return to work

Abstract

Background: Information regarding rehabilitative intervention facilitating return to work in burn-injured patients within the South African context is not well documented.

Aim: The study aimed to explore the demographic and clinical profiles of burn-injured patients and their experiences of intervention for return to work at a private outpatient occupational therapy practice in KwaZulu-Natal.

Methods: This study adopted a mixed-methods design. A retrospective file audit of the rehabilitation records (n=40) and patient interviews (n=10) was conducted. The data were analysed separately, merged, and presented in a joint display.

Results: The majority of patients (72%, n=29) were male and within the age range of 32-41 years old. Four themes emerged from the data, namely, (i) the patients' experience of the burn injury, (ii) occupational therapy interventions, (iii) enabling return to work, and (iv) benefits of return to work.

Conclusions: Burn injuries impact the working-age population in KwaZulu-Natal. For a successful return to work, burn-injured patients require holistic intervention, which includes environmental support and physical and psychological intervention. Patient personal factors, such as resilience, should also be considered. Occupational therapy interventions are effective in facilitating return to work. However, there is a gap in the psychological interventions that are provided to patients. Challenges that patients experience, such as limited access to psychological services due to limited funds and human resources, need to be addressed by the multidisciplinary team.

Implications for practice

• Given the high unemployment rate and poverty levels in South Africa, returning to work is vital for patients to reclaim their roles as breadwinners and contribute to the local economy.
• Adequate social support, both from the family and the employer, plays a crucial role in facilitating the return to work of burn-injured patients. Patients who returned to supportive work environments with assistance from colleagues and modified tasks reported greater success in reintegrating into the workforce.
• Burn-injured patients and their families commonly experience psychological trauma, including fear, guilt, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Pain, fear of re-injury, and post-traumatic stress are significant barriers to returning to work. Occupational therapists should incorporate evidence-based psychological interventions into their treatment plans and make necessary referrals to address these issues effectively.