Exploring the Impact of Peer Support on Burn Survivor Recovery: A Burn Model System Study

Abstract Peer support plays a critical role in burn recovery, fostering resilience, community, and improved coping mechanisms. However, its impact on patient-reported outcomes remains underexplored, particularly in functional and psychosocial recovery. This study investigates peer support engagement trends, demographic patterns, and its effect on psychosocial and functional outcomes. Adult burn survivors (18 years) from a multicenter longitudinal patient-reported outcomes database (2013–2024) were included. Data was collected at discharge and 6, 12, and 24 months post-injury. Peer support engagement was assessed at 6, 12, and 24 months, with 12-month patient-reported outcomes (PROMIS domains: social roles, anxiety, depression, sexual satisfaction; Community Integration Questionnaire; Satisfaction with Life) analyzed. Demographics and clinical data were collected at discharge. Univariate analyses and six linear regression models examined peer support’s impact on 12-month outcomes, adjusting for age, sex, burn size, burn center site, and education level. Of 1123 participants, 17% engaged in peer support at 6 months, with similar levels at 12 (15%) and 24 months (15%). Peer support participants had larger burns (27% vs. 16% total body surface area), longer hospital stays (41 vs. 25 days), and higher education levels compared to non-users. Although initial univariate analyses showed lower social role, anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction scores in peer support users, adjusted analyses found no significant outcome differences between groups. Peer support is underutilized, particularly among patients with smaller burns and lower education levels. Given its role in psychosocial recovery, expanding peer support access and integrating it into routine care may help optimize burn rehabilitation outcomes.