504 Creative Aftercare Program Amidst Coronavirus Pandemic

Abstract Introduction Coronavirus disease presented itself early in 2019 inducing a considerable degree of fear, worry, and unknown throughout the United States. National and State governed laws imposed social distancing measures, quarantining citizens, and isolating infected persons. Apart from its physical impact, COVID-19 pandemic has brought numerous changes to people’s lives affecting people both physically and psychologically. A key component of quality of life of burn survivors consist of maintaining a long-term burn center connection through support groups. Our burn center developed a virtual format for aftercare to provide psychological support during the pandemic. Methods Regular attendees and new burn survivors were contacted by the aftercare specialist from an American Burn Associated verified burn center. Participants were surveyed on the best mode of contact and current addresses were obtained. “Happy Mail” was mailed to support group participants 3 times/month. Items included in these packages ranged from motivational sayings, gift cards, essential oils, candies, art projects, and reminders to log onto the virtual support groups. The gift packages also included a mental health check-in icebreaker. These gift packages took the place of our in-person support groups and contained all materials needed to engage and guide participation in the virtual monthly support group. Participants were then invited to join a social media support group for our local burn center. Results Burn survivors continued to receive quality psychosocial support to cope with and process feelings as well as validate emotions. Attendees regularly expressed gratitude in receiving “Happy Mail” as it brought a feeling of connectiveness to a group of burn survivors who rely on each other for peer support. The gift packages also served as a reminder of the upcoming virtual aftercare support groups as our attendance did not see a decline at monthly meetings. Conclusions Our experience suggests that a method of offering “Happy Mail” as part of a curriculum to augment virtual aftercare can be a model to adapt to the emotional support burn survivors and their family members need during the pandemic.