Identifying priority policy issues and health system research questions associated with recovery outcomes for burns survivors in India: a qualitative inquiry

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify priority policy issues and health system research questions associated with recovery outcomes for burns survivors in India. DESIGN Qualitative inquiry; data were collected through semistructured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. SETTING Nine sites in urban and rural settings across India, through primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities. PARTICIPANTS Healthcare providers, key informants, burns survivors and/or their carers. RESULTS Participants acknowledged the challenges of burns care and recovery, and identified the need for prolonged rehabilitation. Challenges identified included poor communication between healthcare providers and survivors, limited rehabilitation services, difficulties with transportation to health facility and high cost associated with burns care. Burns survivors and healthcare providers identified the stigma attached with burns as the biggest challenge within the healthcare system, as well as in the community. Systems barriers (eg, limited infrastructure and human resources), lack of economic and social support, and poor understanding of recovery and rehabilitation were identified as major barriers to recovery. CONCLUSIONS Though further research is needed for addressing gaps in data, strengthening of health systems can enable providers to address issues such as developing/providing, protocols, capacity building, effective coordination between key organisations and referral networks.