A Qualitative Study on Interpersonal Relationships of Patients with Facial Burn Injuries: Phenomenological Study

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to explore the experience of patients with facial burn injuries regarding their interpersonal relationships. METHODS: The phenomenological research method was used. Participants of the study consisted of five males and three females. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews from November, 2014 to February, 2015 and analyzed using Colaizzi's method. RESULTS: Five theme clusters were extracted that described patients' experiences. They are “being a lonely foreigner,” “closing my mind toward the world,” “hiding hurt feelings,” “companion of my face,” and “communicating with the world”. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide a deep understanding and insight into the experience of interpersonal relationships among facial burn patients. The development of a comprehensive program including physical, psychological, and social aspects is recommended to address the problems facial burn patients encounter in interpersonal relationships and to facilitate interaction.