62 Social Skills Training for Burn Survivors: Needs Assessment and Program Evaluation

Abstract Introduction Social Skills Training (SST) program is one of few educational interventions specifically designed to facilitate successful community re-entry among burn survivors. SST focuses on the burn survivors’ psychosocial rehabilitation and social reintegration, especially the transition from the burn center to home. The purpose of this study was to conduct a needs assessment and evaluation of the SST program. Methods Data were collected during SST programs conducted at 5 locations. A 23-item questionnaire (12-item Needs Assessment and 11-item program evaluation) developed for the purpose of this study was used. The program evaluation component was administered to participants before and after the training to assess their level of comfort in providing SST to burn survivors regarding how to cope with social challenges in public such as responding to questions, staring, teasing; starting/ending a conversation; entering a social setting. The training also provided information regarding supplementary support resources, including use of cosmetic techniques for facial scars. A paired t-test was conducted to observe changes in attendees’ preparedness or level of comfort following the training to provide SST for burn survivors. Results Attendees (n=109) were predominantly nurses (38%) and therapists (16%) followed by other members of the burn team. About 83% of those surveyed thought it was extremely important to provide SST to burn survivors and 91% reported that it should be provided to all patients and families irrespective of need or request. Eighty-three percent of those surveyed report that they do not routinely provide SST because of lack of training (58%) or access to standardized information and tools (25%). Results of the paired t-test (pre- and post-test) showed that the mean post-training scores on all 11 items increased significantly (p