Challenges of home care in patients with burn: Experiences of patients, family caregivers and healthcare providers

Abstract

Background: Burns are a major health challenge in developing countries. Post-discharge problems of patients with burn are complex and require home care and educational interventions. However, few studies are available in this area. Objectives: This study explored challenges of home care in burn patients from the perspective of patients, family caregivers, and health care providers. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted during 2022 and 2023. Participants were purposively recruited from Imam Musakazem Hospital in Isfahan, Iran. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The qualitative content analysis approach proposed by Graneheim and Lundman was used for data analysis. The trustworthiness of the data was ensured using the criteria of confirmability, credibility, dependability, and transferability proposed by Lincoln and Guba. Results: The study comprised 24 participants, including seven patients, four family caregivers, two physicians, two managers, and nine nurses. Three main categories were extracted including "the vague structure of home care," "inefficient home care" and "informal home care." Each category included 2-3 subcategories. Conclusion: The home care program for burn patients requires reforms, such as changes in the administrative structure of home care, increasing the quality of home care centers, interdisciplinary collaboration between health team members, and boosting patients and their families' awareness about the goals and application of the home care program.