Within the burn community, there is a strong desire to understand how lives are impacted by a burn, years—even decades—after the injury occurs.
Understanding the chronic nature of burn symptoms helps survivors and their loved ones understand their experience and gives healthcare partners the information they need to support burn survivors in managing long-term recovery.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines chronic conditions as conditions that last one year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both (1). Acute conditions, on the other hand, come on rapidly and are accompanied by distinct symptoms that require urgent or short-term care. These conditions get better once they are treated. For instance, a broken bone must be treated by a doctor and will heal in time (2).
“About Chronic Diseases.” National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP). https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/about/index.htm. 2021
“Chronic vs. Acute Medical Conditions: What's the Difference?” National Council on Aging. https://www.ncoa.org/article/chronic-versus-acute-disease. 2021.
Join the conversation: At Phoenix WBC 2021, we are hosting a conversation and discussion on exploring burns as a chronic condition. Join us and share your thoughts on the topic!
Join a research opportunity: When you participate in research, you help fill holes in knowledge and ensure future burn survivors have access to the best possible care. View past and present research projects below.
Become an advocate: Phoenix Society empowers trained advocates to tell their stories with impact. Whether you are a burn survivor, loved one, firefighter, burn care professional, or friend of the cause—your voice matters!
Download and print our Chronic Conditions PDF and share with others! The flyer works great in waiting rooms, bulletin boards, or on social media pages.
Copy and share one of these social media posts and don't forget to tag Phoenix Society:
Are burn injuries a chronic condition? Learn more about the potential long-term symptoms burn survivors and their loved ones face here: https://www.phoenix-society.org/chronic. #BurnSurvivor
By joining a research study, you can help fill holes in knowledge and ensure future burn survivors have access to the best possible care. Get involved here: https://bit.ly/3iGibZM. #BurnSurvivors
Share your story with purpose by becoming a Phoenix Advocate! Receive training so you're ready to advocate for issues like burn prevention, optimal burn care, or equality. https://bit.ly/3iF9Wxc #PhoenixAdvocate #BurnSurvivor