• Peter C Esselman, Shelley Wiechman Askay, Gretchen J Carrougher, Dennis C Lezotte, Radha K Holavanahalli, Gina Magyar-Russell, James A Fauerbach, and Loren H Engrav.
• Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. esselman@u.washington.edu
• Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2007 Dec 1;88(12 Suppl 2):S50-6.

ObjectiveTo identify barriers to return to work after burn injury as identified by the patient.DesignA cohort study with telephone interview up to 1 year.SettingHospital-based burn centers at 3 national sites.ParticipantsHospitalized patients (N=154) meeting the American Burn Association criteria for major burn injury, employed at least 20 hours a week at the time of injury, and with access to a telephone after discharge.InterventionPatients were contacted via telephone every 2 weeks up to 4 months, then monthly up to 1 year after discharge.Main Outcome MeasuresA return to work survey was used to identify barriers that prevented patients from returning to work. A graphic rating scale determined the impact of each barrier.ResultsBy 1 year, 79.7% of patients returned to work. Physical and wound issues were barriers early after discharge. Although physical abilities continued to be a significant barrier up to 1 year, working conditions (temperature, humidity, safety) and psychosocial factors (nightmares, flashbacks, appearance concerns) became important issues in those with long-term disability.ConclusionsThe majority of patients return to work after a burn injury. Although physical and work conditions are important barriers, psychosocial issues need to be evaluated and treated to optimize return to work.

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