Challenges in burn care management: a qualitative study of health professionals’ and patients’ perspectives

Burn injuries are severe traumas causing serious complications and high mortality. Managing burns is especially challenging in resource-limited settings. This study explores burn care challenges from the perspectives of both patients and healthcare providers. This qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Iran (2024-2025) with 41 hospitalized burn patients and healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists, and nutritionists. Participants were purposively sampled, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews until saturation. Data were analyzed concurrently using Graneheim and Lundman's content analysis method with MAXQDA 2020 for data management. An inductive data analysis process revealed two main categories and nine subcategories. The categories identified were: "Structural and Professional Barriers in Burn Management" and "Challenges Related to Burn Patients and their Families". Key structural barriers include inadequate interprofessional collaboration, limited resources and specialized expertise in non-specialized centers, insufficient burn care education in health profession curricula, and a lack of attention to burn injuries in health policy. Patient- and family-related challenges include cultural and economic factors, insufficient post-discharge follow-up, and low public awareness about burn injuries. This study highlights the multifaceted challenges in burn management from both healthcare providers' and patients' perspectives. Addressing these interconnected challenges requires comprehensive strategies encompassing healthcare system reforms, enhanced education and training, culturally sensitive care approaches, and supportive policies. Such efforts are essential to improve patient outcomes, reduce long-term complications, and alleviate the substantial burden of burn injuries on individuals and the healthcare system.