123 Burn Patients’ Pain Experiences and Perceptions at a Regional Burn Center

Abstract Introduction Burns are often painful injuries, associated with a long recovery. Little is known about patients’ pain experience or understanding of burn pain. Patients may also not be receiving sufficient pain education to optimize their pain experience. The aim of this project was to obtain patients’ perspectives to inform future burn pain education efforts at a regional burn center. Methods We conducted mixed-methods interviews in inpatient and outpatient units. Participants were >=14 years with acute burn injury, who received at least two wound care episodes, and were able to cognitively participate. Provider stakeholders designed the interview using a modified Delphi technique. Survey questions focused on patients’ pain experiences, understanding and desire to gain knowledge of burn pain and management. Descriptive quantitative analysis was performed on categorical data. Recorded interview segments were transcribed for content analysis using an online, HIPAA-compliant software. Results We interviewed 21 adult burn patients. Participants reported variable pain and pain management effectiveness, with inpatients reporting more severe pain than outpatients. Only 11% of inpatients reported having received enough pain information, compared to 50% of outpatients. Participants expressed, in decreasing order of importance, a need for more information on burn-related pain, medications and alternative treatments, analgesic weaning, and addiction risk. In-person education ranked as the most desirable education method, followed by pamphlets and video education. Qualitative content analysis yielded 3 major themes: patient’s pain experience, range of expectations, and clinical information/services desired. Mental and physical effects were key parts of participants’ pain experiences, with many participants reporting mental anguish in addition to pain. Most participants’ pain expectations were matched by their experience, while some individuals described higher pain levels than they anticipated. Positive experiences with the burn care team primarily revolved around provided education and information on pain, whereas negative experiences concentrated on wound care events. Participants desired more information on sleep and pain medications, realistic expectations of recovery timelines, and available mental health services. Conclusions Burn patients report variable pain experiences and a strong desire to receive additional pain education. This project informs key strategies to educate burn patients on pain. A high-level of interest in pain, pharmacologic and alternative therapies, weaning and addiction risks indicates a need for newer targeted education materials. Applicability of Research to Practice Burn patients’ perspectives help inform strategies and content creation for education materials that burn centers can provide.