| The survival rate of burn injuries is over 90 percent. Physical and emotional recovery from a burn injury may be prolonged. Family support is an important component of this recovery. However, little is known about the impact on caregivers. The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological study is to explore the impact of a burn injury on family caregivers of adult burn survivors. An improved understanding of the stressors, challenges, coping, and involvement of family caregivers in caring for burn survivors will enable clinicians to better assist burn survivors and their family caregivers throughout the recovery process.;Sixteen family caregivers completed data collection sessions that included semi-structured interviews and drawings related to their experiences. Interviews and discussions about the drawings were audiorecorded and transcribed prior to analysis. Transcriptions were analyzed via the interpretation of paradigm cases, exemplar analysis, and thematic analysis.;Family caregivers experienced caregiving as a journey through three phases. The first, hospitalization, was characterized by uncertainty about survival and, at times, conflict among family members. Caregivers valued honest communication from the healthcare team and the ability to connect with their hospitalized family member. Connection took place through visualization, touch, voice, or being near to the family member.;The next phase of caregiving began when the patient was discharged home and lasted anywhere from weeks to months. During this period, caregivers did what one must to care for their family members, including physical care, emotional support, financial support, and transportation assistance. Previous life experiences and the support of others were vital to coping with these challenges.;The final phase of caregiving is characterized by the "new normal": familiar routines resumed, families adapted to the aftereffects of the injury, and caregivers gradually turned towards typical, everyday concerns. Preexisting relationship patterns between survivors and family caregivers persisted.;Strategies to handle common caregiving challenges would be of benefit to caregivers. Caregivers value timely, accurate information about the patient's status throughout recovery. Promoting connections between the survivor and caregiver is important. Finally, clinicians can support caregivers by acknowledging their strengths, anticipating potential conflicts, and coordinating ancillary services as necessary. |
