Patient perception of long-term burn-specific health and congruence with the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief

Introduction: This qualitative study aims to explore former burn patients' perception of burnspecific health and investigate how these experiences correspond to the subscales in the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B). Method: Respondents were former burn patients, admitted to the Uppsala Burn Centre between 2000 and 2007. A total of 20 respondents with a Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) of 20% or larger, were approached at 10-17years after burn and interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Despite extensive burn injuries, respondents said they led a close-to-normal life. Their descriptions validated the significance of the existing themes of BSHS-B. Additional themes of importance for health after burn were skin related problems, morphine deescalation, the importance of work, stress and avoidance, mentality and the healthcare system. Conclusion: The BSHS-B alone may not be sufficient in providing a comprehensive picture of former burn patients' self-perceived health in the long-term perspective. Investigating supplementary areas reflecting former patients' sociocultural and attitudinal environment, as well as personal factors, may be of great importance. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.