Of These, Faith, Hope, and Love: Assessing and Providing for the Psychosocial and Spiritual Needs of Burn Patients

Burn treatment has grown increasingly advanced and technologically capable. Clinicians must take into account, however, multidimensional patient needs that factor into long-term burn recovery. Important psychosocial factors associated with burn care include psychiatric comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression, healthy family relationships, social support, and community involvement. Spiritual factors and resources, such as time spent praying and/or meditating and access to pastoral services, are also important to consider. Further study is needed to identify specific psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients and to develop interventions or therapies that specifically provide for these needs.