efficacy of a home care plan in the mental health of burn survivors: a randomized clinical trial

Background: mental health is a serious concern for burn survivors. burn injuries can bring long-term complications that begin at the moment of injury and last throughout a burn victim’s life. objectives: this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a home care plan in the mental health status of burn survivors six months after hospital discharge. methods: this randomized clinical trial with intervention and control groups was conducted in kermanshah, iran. eligible samples (n = 90) were allocated into the two groups by a randomized block design. the intervention group received a home care plan for six months. the general health questionnaire-28 (ghq-28) was responded to by the samples at three time points, baseline (t1: hospital discharge) and 3 (t2), and six months (t3) after the intervention. results: the mean scores of the ghq-28 showed a descending trend in the intervention group during six months (t1: 32.48 ± 15.83, t2: 25.15 ± 15.11, and t3: 19.37 ± 14.11). however, the mean scores of the ghq-28 were increased in the control group (t1: 32.29 ± 17.66, t2: 39.35 ± 14.59, and t3: 40.44 ± 15.59). there were significant differences between the two groups in 3- and 6-month measurements (p < 0.001). conclusions: a 6-month home care plan improved the mental health of burn survivors in the intervention group in comparison to the controls; nevertheless, there were still survivors who needed help. therefore, it is suggested to develop a home care plan with longer regular follow-ups for burn survivors based on their needs in the healthcare system of iran.