PLoS ONE (Jan 2022)

Psychotherapeutic interventions for burns patients and the potential use with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis patients: A systematic integrative review.

  • Pauline O'Reilly,
  • Pauline Meskell,
  • Barbara Whelan,
  • Catriona Kennedy,
  • Bart Ramsay,
  • Alice Coffey,
  • Donal G Fortune,
  • Sarah Walsh,
  • Saskia Ingen-Housz-Oro,
  • Christopher B Bunker,
  • Donna M Wilson,
  • Isabelle Delaunois,
  • Liz Dore,
  • Siobhan Howard,
  • Sheila Ryan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270424
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 6
p. e0270424

Abstract

Read online

BackgroundThe existing evidence demonstrates that survivors of SJS/TEN have reported long-lasting psychological effects of their condition. Burns patients experience similar psychological effects. It is important to look at ways to help allay the psychological complications of SJS/TEN. As there is an absence of evidence on SJS/TEN psychotherapeutic interventions, it was judged to be beneficial to determine the evidence underpinning psychotherapeutic interventions used with burns patients.Aims and objectivesThe aim of this systematic integrative review was to synthesize the evidence relating to psychotherapeutic interventions used with adult burns patients and patients with SJS/TEN.MethodThe systematic review was guided by Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review process and the PRISMA guidelines. Nine databases were searched for English and French language papers published January 2008 to January 2021. The protocol for the review was registered with PROSPERO.ResultsFollowing a screening process, 17 studies were included in the review. Two themes were identified using content analysis, (i) Empirically supported psychotherapeutic treatments, (ii) Alternative psychotherapeutic treatments. This review revealed no evidence on specific psychotherapeutic interventions for patients with SJS/TEN. Some of the interventions used with burns patients, viz. relaxation therapy, hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy showed some significant benefits. However, the evidence for burns patients is mainly focused on pain and pain anxiety as outcomes.ConclusionFollowing further research, some of the interventions deployed in burns patients may be applicable to SJS/TEN patients, particularly stress reduction techniques. In addition, the caring behaviours such as compassion, respect, and getting to know the patient as a person are important components to psychological care.