# A mixed methods study investigating patient's initial experiences after acquiring a surgical scar, burn injury, and/or amputation

## TL;DR

This study explores how patients feel when they first see their changed appearance after surgery, burns, or amputation, finding that support and preparedness are key to reducing distress.

## Contribution

The study expands understanding of psychological adjustment to appearance changes beyond breast cancer and facial burns.

## Key findings

- Participants reported varied initial experiences, with some feeling adequately prepared and others needing more support.
- Perceived social support and preparedness were strongly correlated with reduced distress.
- Healthcare providers should discuss expectations and provide support to help patients adjust to appearance changes.

## Abstract

Experiences of seeing an altered appearance for the first time can have an important influence on an individual's psychological wellbeing, their body image and their adjustment. Existing research has explored this experience in individuals with breast cancer and facial burns, but limited research has been conducted in other appearance altering conditions. The aim of this study was to explore patient's initial experiences viewing themselves after acquiring an appearance altering condition, including distress, preparedness and social support.

Participants (n = 64) with a surgical scar, burn injury or amputation completed a mixed methods online survey. This survey included questions about practical elements of the experience, the support they received, their expectations, distress, and preparedness; as well as open questions regarding participant's feelings, fears, support and suggested improvements to the experience. Data analysis included statistical analysis and inductive content analysis.

Participants reported a variety of initial experiences. Some felt adequately prepared and supported, whilst others felt this could have improved. A strong correlation was found between perceived support and distress (rs = −.66, p = <.001) and preparedness and distress (rs = −.66, p = <.001). No significant differences in preparedness, distress or support were found according to gender, age, or condition.

Whilst many participants reported satisfaction with viewing their appearance for the first time, some participants reported significant distress and a need for further support around this experience. This suggests an important role for healthcare providers in discussing expectations and providing appropriate patient support following injury or treatment.

Patients experiences of seeing their altered appearance for the first time after surgery, a burn injury, or amputation.

This study aimed to understand how people feel when they first see their appearance after experiencing a change due to a surgical scar, burn injury, or amputation. The focus was on their distress, how prepared they felt, and the social support they received.

A total of 64 participants with a surgical scar, burn injury, or amputation took part in an online survey that included both closed-ended and open-ended questions. The researchers analysed the responses using statistical methods, as well as looking for common themes in the open-ended answers.

Participants had a range of initial reactions, with many experiencing some level of distress. Some felt well-prepared and supported, while others thought there was room for improvement. The study found that feeling prepared was strongly linked to having good social support.

Although many participants were happy with the care they received, some experienced significant distress and felt they needed more support when first seeing their changed appearance. This highlights the importance of healthcare providers discussing what to expect and offering appropriate support to patients after an injury or treatment.