Efficacy of a Home Care Plan in the Mental Health of Burn Survivors: A Randomized Clinical Trial

 Mental health is a serious concern for burn survivors. Burn injuries can bring long-term complications that begin at the moment of injury and last throughout a burn victim’s life.

 This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a home care plan in the mental health status of burn survivors six months after hospital discharge.

 This randomized clinical trial with intervention and control groups was conducted in Kermanshah, Iran. Eligible samples (n = 90) were allocated into the two groups by a randomized block design. The intervention group received a home care plan for six months. The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was responded to by the samples at three time points, baseline (T1: hospital discharge) and 3 (T2), and six months (T3) after the intervention.

 The mean scores of the GHQ-28 showed a descending trend in the intervention group during six months (T1: 32.48 ± 15.83, T2: 25.15 ± 15.11, and T3: 19.37 ± 14.11). However, the mean scores of the GHQ-28 were increased in the control group (T1: 32.29 ± 17.66, T2: 39.35 ± 14.59, and T3: 40.44 ± 15.59). There were significant differences between the two groups in 3- and 6-month measurements (P < 0.001).

 A 6-month home care plan improved the mental health of burn survivors in the intervention group in comparison to the controls; nevertheless, there were still survivors who needed help. Therefore, it is suggested to develop a home care plan with longer regular follow-ups for burn survivors based on their needs in the healthcare system of Iran.