The Impact of Peer Support Group Programs on Psychosocial Outcomes for Burn Survivors and Caregivers: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Peer support group programs are often recommended for burn survivors as a way to facilitate their psychosocial recovery and reintegration into the community. Such programs provide opportunities for burn patients and their caretakers to access emotional and informational support from healthcare providers and other survivors in inpatient or outpatient settings. Despite their popularity, however, there is little information currently available on the efficacy of these groups. In response, we reviewed the existing literature on peer support group programs and their impacts on psychosocial outcomes for burn survivors and their caregivers. A systematic review of the literature utilizing PubMed, PsycINFO, and Medline databases was conducted for articles published between 1990 and 2018. Twenty-five articles including inpatient, outpatient, integrative peer support groups, and burn camps met our inclusion criteria. All inpatient peer support group program articles (n = 4) reported associations with psychosocial improvements. Integrative peer support group program articles (n = 2) reported associations with social integration and reduction in post-traumatic stress and anxiety. All outpatient peer support group program articles (n = 8) demonstrated associations with psychosocial outcomes involving life satisfaction, acceptance of self, and reduced levels of isolation. Findings were less consistent for burn camps: 8 articles suggested improvements in psychological outcomes while 3 articles reported no significant psychosocial effects. Although these results are encouraging, further study is indicated both to replicate these findings, and to determine the optimal implementation of inpatient and outpatient peer support programs.

Neuropathic Pain After Burn Injury

“…37 Future study should further investigate the efficacy of CBT or peer support programs on psychosocial recovery in burn patients with NP. 38 A systematic review of 2 available studies investigating patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries and NP found that CBT did not significantly improve psychosocial outcomes for patients. 37 However, additional studies with more robust methodologies are necessary to determine whether differences exist, as risk of bias was found to be high in the available literature assessing the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for NP.…”

“…However, the current data on the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for NP is sparse 37 . Future study should further investigate the efficacy of CBT or peer support programs on psychosocial recovery in burn patients with NP 38 . A systematic review of 2 available studies investigating patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries and NP found that CBT did not significantly improve psychosocial outcomes for patients 37 .…”

Benefits and Process of Providing Peer Support for Pediatric Burn Survivors and Caregivers during Inpatient and Outpatient Phases of Recovery

“…They found peer support is efficacious for psychosocial recovery and community reintegration and can be implemented in all phases of recovery. 19 Barnett and colleagues reported inpatient peer support was beneficial for children and caregivers because it provided opportunities to interact with other survivors, to give and receive support, and share stories. 72 Chedekel and Tolias investigated the efficacy of providing integrative peer support for adolescent burn survivors, which included opportunities for inpatients to interact with burn survivors from the community.…”

“We are in this together”: The power of social connection

“…14 Studies of patients suffering traumatic brain injury or severe burn injury also demonstrate the value of social support during recovery, which has led to the development of traumatic brain injury support programs and innovative strategies such as burn camps. [15][16][17] Thus, as we focus on the long-term recovery of our patients, it is important that we incorporate strategies to enhance their social connection and social support.…”