Abstract

Introduction: A burn should not be considered solely a wound but a disease striking almost all body systems and being combined with several physical and psychological consequences imperiling patient’s health. The aim of the article is to show social rehabilitation, psychological changes and social adaptation of patients who suffered burns. Patients and methods: We used a retrospective study to analyze the patients hospitalized at the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic in the period from 01.07.2003 to 30.06.2008. The patients analyzed were men and women, of 15-88 age, with burns covering over 10% of body surface and with 2nd burn level or even deeper ones. The study did not include the patients who had not survived the disease of burns. Psychological status and socialization of injured patients were analyzed. Results: Total number of evaluated patients was 58 out of which 37 were men and 21 were women. There were 15 patients injured at work, two cases were classified as attempted suicide, one was classified as an attack and one as burn by gasoline. Psychological status of hospitalized patients was defined as depression, anxiety and delirium. Evolution of patients’ socialization was defined to be in the form of their back to work and as a sociological stigma. Conclusion: Mutual aim of all the members of multidisciplinary team included in healing of the injured should be sociological reintegration of patients. Patient’s attitude and motivation are very important factors in healing process and rehabilitation of the patient.

Key words: social rehabilitation, injuries caused by burns