CARe Responsiveness

The project was undertaken by Dr Catrin Griffiths, Dr Pippa Tollow, Danielle Cox, Dr Paul White and Professor Diana Harcourt, from the Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England.

The aim of the project was to test the responsiveness of the CARe Burns Scales to ascertain their ability to identify patient-centred health changes over time,

The project worked with burns patients, and family members, to understand the physical and psychological challenges associated with burn injuries, and how these change over time. The outputs of the project will inform clinical and psychological treatment pathways that help reduce the likelihood and impact of lifelong difficulties.

A burn injury of any size can have an extensive impact on the person affected, and their family. This includes physical problems such as scarring, pain and itching, as well as psychological and social difficulties. It is important that research and clinical care consider both the immediate and long-term impact that burns can have on the lives of patients and their family members, and how this can change over time. The results of this project will help researchers and NHS staff better understand the needs and progress of burns patients and their family members and tailor the treatment they offer accordingly.

"The support we received from the Scar Free Foundation has enabled us to complete this important programme of work to rigorously develop and test a series of burn-specific patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) that are now freely available and are enabling clinicians and researchers to identify the specific needs of people affected by burn injuries, so that appropriate support can be provided".

Professor Diana Harcourt, The Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England.