How deep does it really burn? Social and emotional implications of paediatric burn injuries and care on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families

Background Paediatric burns are highly painful and traumatic injuries that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children at disproportionate rates, yet their experiences are often omitted from burns research. This study aimed to better understand the social and emotional impacts and unmet support needs that paediatric burn injuries and care cause Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. Methods This decolonial ethnographic study followed 20 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families’ experiences of paediatric burns care at a tertiary hospital in Queensland, Australia. Three methods were combined, including participant observations of burns care appointments/procedures (n = 54); retrospective thinking aloud sessions with burn specialists (n = 62); and yarning sessions with families (n = 14). Grounded theory analysis was conducted and triangulated for in-depth explorations of each family’s experiences. Results Paediatric burn injuries and care cause profound and prolonged social and emotional impacts for all members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. These include, but are not limited to, panic, shock, distress, guilt, and fear; along with social isolation, family disruptions, physical implications, and financial and food insecurities. These burdens were worsened when burns care was uncollaborative, culturally unsafe, and included minimal supports. Discussion Paediatric burn specialists play vital roles in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families throughout burns care and beyond. However, several barriers continue to hinder their ability to provide collaborative and culturally and trauma-responsive care. There is a strong need for burns care to incorporate routine mental health screening, and cultural and mental health supports for all members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.