Collaborative global-first study to assess long-term quality of life for burn patients

A global-first study to assess the long-term impact of burns on patient quality of life in WA is being run as a collaboration between the State Adult Burn Unit at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Fiona Wood Foundation and The University of Notre Dame Australia.

Research Fellow and Physiotherapist, A/Prof Dale Edgar and team have launched the 'WA Ultralong Follow-up After Burn (ULFAB) Connect' study at the hospital, using surveys to measure past burn patients' quality of life.

“So far, the impact on a patient’s quality of life post-burn has been only explored in small samples with short-term follow up,” Dale said.

“Burn injury has chronic consequences well beyond the acute healing period, so this study hopes to achieve a better understanding of the longer-term impact of burn injury for patients in WA.”

“By connecting with patients who have been treated in primary care for burn injury, as well as past hospitalised burns patients, we aim to find out how long any impacts on quality of life endure after a burn injury, broken down by size of burn and grouped for patient factors.”

The current phase of the study, ULFAB Part 2 brings past patients back for assessment and collection of research data and biospecimens to enable analysis of their physical, psychological, and physiological results.

“Past burns patients can benefit from the study by having clinicians of the State Adult Burn Unit holistically assess their health status and offer screening and, or referral for specialist care or treatments, including scarring,” Dale said.

“Many of the patients who we hope to contact with may have never been offered contemporary treatment to improve their scars, but during these studies we can offer them assessment of their health, scarring and medical status.”

“This study will allow us to understand and respond to the challenges facing future patients with burn injuries, as well as their carers and families,” Dale said.

Val Sloss was Dale’s first patient in 1998. Val completed the survey and said the team were friendly and professional, the collection was pain-free, and it was well explained beforehand.

“The team at the Burns Unit has been there for me for nearly 30 years, and this is one way I can help now, so I’m always willing to help with research and support the Fiona Wood Foundation any way I can,” Val said.

If you are a current or past burn patient and would like to be involved in the study, please email Dale Edgar or complete the survey online (external site).

If you work in a GP, medical clinic or health service, please view this video of Professor Fiona Wood asking for your support.

This research has been funded by Fiona Wood Foundation, The University of Notre Dame Australia, and The University of Western Australia with support from South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS).

The pilot for ULFAB Part 2 phase of the study has now commenced and is due for completion by the end of 2026.

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