Longitudinal Outcomes from a Military Burn Center

In the United States, burn-related injuries are the fourth leading cause of unintentional deaths; 6,500 to 12,000 annually. Males in all age groups are burned more often and more severely than females. Salisbury & Petro (1987) stated that because a large number of men have passed through a single burn center, the US Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR), there is an opportunity for detailed analysis of outcomes in these patients. Long-term evaluation of absolute outcomes, including degree of physical disability, psychological adjustment, occupational status, and family conflicts/support will provide information necessary to design an effective and efficient post-burn rehabilitation program.

The purpose of this research is the development and maintenance of a longitudinal outcomes database to track quality of life (QOL) issues, care delivery, and costs related to burn treatment in the military's only designated burn center, the USAISR. A prospective, descriptive, repeated measures, longitudinal design will be used. The sample will consist of all adult burn patients who meet the inclusion criteria and consent to participate while being treated at the USAISR Burn Center. Study variables will be measured at the time of discharge from the burn center, every three months X 2, and every six months X 2. Outcome variables of interest are QOL (which includes functional status, role relationships, psychological functioning), healthcare use, and costs.

The data will be analyzed using one way analysis of variance to construct a profile of change over time. A stepwise multiple regression model will be created to test the Roy Adaptation Model and to determine the most important demographic and clinical factors that may be used as predictors of positive outcomes. Cost analyses will be based on charges for care because some patients may receive part of their care in the civilian community. This project will provide the foundation for the development of an optimal, outcomes based rehabilitation program for burn survivors treated in the USAISR.

Final report is available on NTRL: https://ntrl.ntis.gov/NTRL/dashboard/searchResults/titleDetail/PB2017102...