Evaluating the Effects of a Trauma Recovery Program for Korean Burn Patients

Abstract

Purpose: The current study aimed to investigate the effects of a trauma recovery program named the “My Special Program for Acute Burn Survivors (SPA)” program in Korean burn patients. Methods: This was a randomized pretest-posttest control group study that included patients with an acute burn injury. Participants in the intervention group ( n = 42) completed the “SPA” program, whereas those in the control group ( n = 43) received standard care. Participants completed baseline and follow-up measures that assessed perceived stress, psychological distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results: The results for perceived stress revealed a statistically significant change regardless of assigned group. For psychological distress, there was an interaction effect of time and condition in terms of the anxiety subscale only. The findings for PTSD revealed a statistically significant decrease in the total PTSD score for the intervention group only. Conclusion: The current study suggests that SPA interventions may help alleviate and prevent negative outcomes among burn patients.