Qualitative study on the current status of hospitalized burn children′s quality of life

Objective To explore the current status of hospitalized burn children′s quality of life, so as to lay foundation for carrying out the related intervention in future. Methods Using qualitative research method, semi-structured interviews were conducted on 11 parents of burn children hospitalized in Department of Burns of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from March to May 2016. Then the data were analyzed and concluded with phenomenological analysis method to refine the themes. Results Parents′ description about the current status of hospitalized burn children′s quality of life could be summed up into four areas: physiology, psychology, social development, and family; and in six themes: obvious itching symptom, limited movement development, night terror and constant cry because of fear, reduced social game, negative attachment type, and parents under multiple pressures. Conclusions Burn brings serious harm to children′s physical and mental development, as well as negative effects on the parents, thus lowering the children′s quality of life. Medical workers should increase knowledge and attention of it, and carry out targeted health management project.