Aftercare, Survivorship, and Peer Support

Abstract

Burn recovery includes addressing any emotional, psychological, and social needs of the survivor and family. Providing support and resources is essential for a smooth transition from the acute phase of injury to rehabilitation and successful social and community reintegration. Priority psychosocial target areas are developing social skills, addressing body image concerns, and providing peer support. Peer support provides a unique perspective of shared experience that can instill hope and assist coping efforts of survivors and family. Health care professionals can be instrumental in connecting survivors to community support organizations. Discussed are considerations for aftercare planning and peer support's role.

Keywords: Aftercare; Burn survivor; Burns; Community reintegration; Peer support; Psychosocial.