Parent-perceived isolation and barriers to psychosocial support: a qualitative study to investigate how peer support might help parents of burn-injured children

Abstract

Introduction:Burn injuries can be traumatic and distressing for the affected child and family, with a prolonged period of recovery. This research explores parents’ experiences of support following their child’s injury and their thoughts on peer support specifically.Methods:Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents/caregivers, a mean of three years after their child’s injury, either face-to-face or remotely. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis.Results:Analysis produced four themes and 11 sub-themes. These described parents’ experiences of loss, change, isolation and access to psychosocial support. This paper focuses on themes of isolation and parents’ access to psychosocial support.Discussion:Findings indicate that parents access psychosocial support following their child’s injury and often find it helpful; however, there is a prevailing sense of isolation. Parents often seek information online and find that this is lacking. Many parents reported that peer support would be valuable to them, particularly the sharing of experiential knowledge.Conclusion:An online resource may be beneficial for parents, but further research is needed to confirm the exploratory data gained to date, ensuring that any resource developed would meet the identified needs of parents.

Matching Psychosocial Support Needs of Parents of a Child with a Chronic Illness to a Feasible Intervention

“…Finally, parents indicated trouble finding their way into psychosocial support and/or contact with other parents of a child with a CI. This trouble is corresponding with former research which shows that parents of an ill child can feel isolated, the information they find online is lacking and peer support is desirable (Heath et al 2018). The suggestion of a standard psychosocial consultation after the child's diagnosis that parents made is valuable.…”

“…travel time) and practical issues (e.g. time of onset of the sessions) have frequently been identified as barriers for participation in face-to-face interventions (Heath et al 2018 ; Pettersson et al 2009 ). Online interventions eliminate these logistical barriers (Dever Fitzgerald et al 2010 ; Hedman et al 2012 ) and practical issues are reduced when participation from home is possible (Duppong-Hurley et al 2016 ).…”

“…Online interventions eliminate these logistical barriers (Dever Fitzgerald et al 2010 ; Hedman et al 2012 ) and practical issues are reduced when participation from home is possible (Duppong-Hurley et al 2016 ). Moreover, for some parents is easier to type about difficult topics in an online environment instead of talking about it in real life (Heath et al 2018 ). Research shows that outcomes of online interventions are comparable to face-to-face interventions (Andersson et al 2014 ).…”

Towards improved psychological outcomes for survivors of burn injuries

“…This collection of articles [1][2][3][4][5] highlights important work carried out by psychologists within burns services in the UK, as well as some of the challenges in providing psychosocial care. Together, these five papers [1][2][3][4][5] provide an insight into the research and clinical issues faced by psychologists and multidisciplinary teams working within UK burn care with the aim of improving psychosocial outcomes of patients with burn injuries and their families. In recent years, the advances in the medical treatment of burn injuries has led to increased survival rates and better outcomes for patients.…”

“…Supporting the families of those affected by burn injuries is imperative. A paper by Heath et al 5 reports their qualitative investigation into the experiences of a small sample of parents of burn-injured children treated in different services throughout the UK, and how appropriate and effective psychosocial support for this group might be facilitated. Presentation of the initial findings from this research was awarded an oral presentation prize by the British Burns Association in 2017.…”