Rehabilitation for Functional Autonomy in Burn Patients

Abstract

Background: Burns represent a significant public health issue, causing extensive physical, cognitive, and psychosocial morbidity. Functional independence is a crucial outcome of burn rehabilitation, influencing patients’ return to daily living and societal reintegration. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) serves as a standardized tool for evaluating rehabilitation progress in both motor and cognitive domains. However, data on functional outcomes among burn patients in Pakistan remain limited. Objective: To assess functional independence among burn patients undergoing rehabilitation, using the FIM, and to quantify improvements in motor and cognitive domains from admission to discharge. Methods: A descriptive case series was conducted involving 31 burn patients admitted to Mayo and Jinnah Hospitals in Lahore. Patients aged across all age groups with burns involving at least 10% of total body surface area were assessed. FIM scores were recorded at admission and discharge. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23, employing descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and Pearson correlation analyses. Results: Mean subtotal motor FIM scores improved from 42.97±15.31 at admission to 87.23±5.09 at discharge. Cognitive scores rose from 32.35±3.29 to 34.97±2.22. Total FIM scores increased significantly from 75.32±17.47 to 122.19±5.10 (p=0.026). A moderate positive correlation was observed between admission and discharge total scores. Conclusion: Rehabilitation significantly improved functional independence among burn patients, with notable gains in motor function and modest cognitive improvements. Further studies with larger samples are recommended to refine rehabilitation strategies and optimize cognitive outcomes.