What Do We Know About One-to-One Peer Support for Adults With a Burn Injury? A Scoping Review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to conduct a broad examination of the central themes and concepts associated with one-to-one peer support for adult patients with a burn injury. The aim of the synthesis was to examine 1) what is reported in the literature regarding the impact of peer support for patients or peers and 2) what methods or elements were considered important with regard to the program design and structure. The synthesis undertaken for this study followed scoping review methodology. A systematic search of the literature was undertaken to identify articles of relevance. Four databases were searched: MEDLINE (medicine), Embase (medicine), PsychINFO (psychology), and SWAbstracts (social work). Information pertaining to program design and structure, recruitment and screening requirements, and perceived benefits and risks associated with peer support were extracted from the included articles. Nine key themes pertaining to program design and structure, and 10 key themes relating to the impact of peer support for patients or peers were identified and discussed. One-to-one peer support for adults with burns trauma has the potential to be a unique support option with earnest attributes. The preliminary data representing the effects of peer support for adults with a burn injury as presented in this literature review shows an emerging pattern of benefit for givers and receivers of peer support. Further work is needed in this field and recommendations are made for future studies.

Inpatient peer support for adult burn survivors—A valuable resource: A phenomenological analysis of the Australian experience

“…Burn survivors who engage in peer support are reported to experience a significant positive change in their attitude that provides comfort and a means to heal [10,13]. Furthermore, Tolley and Foroushani [9] suggest that the spoken words of burn survivors can be an uplifting and inspiring experience however, more influential is the ''silent knowing'' that is heightened by the visual impact of encountering a burn survivor much further along in their rehabilitation.…”

“…The rapid growth of peer support networks is suggestive that peer support has a critical role in post-burn adjustment [10] and is an adjunct to their burn rehabilitation [11]. Empowering burn survivors to access peer support enables the extension of their support network that is seen as an alternative to conventional support methods [9]. Drawing from these injuries, burn survivors can impart their experiences that bring a unique, personal and credible perspective through emotional and instructive support [5,21].…”

“…The role of peer support has become a valuable resource in the survivors rehabilitation journey [9,11,18,19], and is correlated with a positive body image, self-esteem and a reduced incidence of depression [20]. The rapid growth of peer support networks is suggestive that peer support has a critical role in post-burn adjustment [10] and is an adjunct to their burn rehabilitation [11].…”

“…Drawing from these injuries, burn survivors can impart their experiences that bring a unique, personal and credible perspective through emotional and instructive support [5,21]. Words spoken by a burn survivor is an enriching and inspirational experience coupled with a mutual understanding that is reinforced by physically meeting a survivor who has experienced the rehabilitation process [9].…”

“…The benefits of peer support have been well documented in the treatment of chronic disease including cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes [6]. Peer support provides opportunities to: (1) increase one's self-esteem [7], (2) increase one's quality of life, (3) decrease one's feelings of isolation [8], (4) develop one's personal growth and self-reflection and (5) assist in finding new meanings [9].…”