Burns and the family experience as to the hospitalization process.

Abstract

Hospital admission due to burning is usually fast and unpredictable. There may be different reactions to trauma according to the phase experienced by the patient and his/her family. This study aimed at describing the impact of the hospitalization of burnt patients on family dynamics. The Calgary Family Assessment Model was applied using semi-structured interviews and direct observation of family members. The following phases were considered for data analysis: reading the material and data reduction, data presentation, conclusion presentation, and verification. The findings showed that family members experience a crisis period that affects their physical and emotional status, relationships, daily routine, management of financial resources, and work. All of these aspects change the family dynamics, contributing for the maintenance of a crisis-adjustment-stability cycle during the entire treatment