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Parent-perceived isolation and barriers to psychosocial support: A qualitative study to investigate how peer support might help parents of burn-injured children

Heath, Jennifer; Williamson, Heidi; Williams, Lisa; Harcourt, Diana

Parent-perceived isolation and barriers to psychosocial support: A qualitative study to investigate how peer support might help parents of burn-injured children Thumbnail


Authors

Jennifer Heath

Heidi Williamson Heidi3.Williamson@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Applied Health Research

Lisa Williams

Diana Harcourt Diana2.Harcourt@uwe.ac.uk
Professor in Appearance Research



Abstract

Introduction: Burn injuries can be traumatic and distressing for the affected child and family, with a prolonged period of recovery. This research explores parents’ experiences of support following their child’s injury and their thoughts on peer support specifically.

Methods: Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents/caregivers, a mean of three years after their child’s injury, either face-to-face or remotely. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: Analysis produced four themes and 11 sub-themes. These described parents’ experiences of loss, change, isolation and access to psychosocial support. This paper focuses on themes of isolation and parents’ access to psychosocial support.

Discussion: Findings indicate that parents access psychosocial support following their child’s injury and often find it helpful; however, there is a prevailing sense of isolation. Parents often seek information online and find that this is lacking. Many parents reported that peer support would be valuable to them, particularly the sharing of experiential knowledge.

Conclusion: An online resource may be beneficial for parents, but further research is needed to confirm the exploratory data gained to date, ensuring that any resource developed would meet the identified needs of parents.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 20, 2018
Publication Date Jan 1, 2018
Deposit Date Mar 21, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 21, 2018
Journal Scars, Burns & Healing
Print ISSN 2059-5131
Publisher SAGE Publications (UK and US)
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 4
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/2059513118763801
Keywords burns, paediatric, psychosocial, parents, peer support, challenges, visible difference
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/874368
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1177/2059513118763801
Contract Date Mar 21, 2018

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