An observational prospective pre-test post-test study.
Patients with intermediate burns (n = 59) admitted to our burn centre in 2016 were evaluated for anxiety using a visual analogue scale (VAS-A) before and after an LDI-scan was made. Two groups were compared: a group that heard whether surgery would or would not be recommended for wound closure (certain group) versus a group that heard to wait and see whether an operation was determined to be helpful (uncertain group).
Before the LDI-scan was made, both groups showed clinically high levels of anxiety (median VAS scores above 5). After the information gathered with the LDI was discussed with the patient, anxiety dropped significantly (median VAS below 3; p = .001). No significant differences between the groups were observed (p > .05).
In contrast to other studies, anxiety was significantly reduced in all our study groups after information was shared. Early communication of knowledge by health care professionals is important regardless whether it includes treatment uncertainty.