Holistic Psychotherapeutic Approach in Elderly Burn Patients: A Consultation-liaison Psychiatry Case Series Integrating Supportive, Family-involved and Spiritual Interventions.

Abstract

Burn injuries in elderly patients often present complex clinical and psychological challenges, especially when compounded by functional decline, emotional vulnerability, and spiritual distress. This case series illustrated a holistic psychotherapeutic approach implemented in a consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) setting for three elderly burn patients, each with unique psychological and spiritual needs. Interventions included supportive psychotherapy to address anxiety and mood disturbances, involvement of family members to enhance emotional security and reduce treatment resistance, spiritual facilitation aligned with patients' religious values, and cognitive reorientation techniques to manage episodes of acute confusion and delirium. These tailored approaches proved effective in improving patients' emotional adjustment, cooperation with care, and treatment adherence. The integration of psychotherapeutic, familial, and spiritual interventions underscores the importance of culturally sensitive and individualized CLP strategies for elderly burn survivors. However, the findings are limited by the small sample size and the qualitative nature of the data, which may restrict generalizability. Nevertheless, these observations highlight the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in optimizing recovery and psychological well-being among older adults in burn units.