Using the Deep Breathing Technique to Decrease Pain Intensity during Wound Care for Burned Patients

Background: Burn is the worst tragedy among modern societies that individuals may experience. One of the most important problems of burns is pain; particularly at the time of treatment which includes burn dressings, debridement, surgical incisions and physiotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of using the deep breathing technique to decrease pain intensity during wound care for burned patients. Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilised. Setting: The study was conducted in the burn unit at El Minia general hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of (60) adult patients from both genders who were randomly and alternatively divided into two equal groups study and control (30 patients in each group). Tools: data were collected by three tools: tool I, Structured interview questionnaire, tool II, patient observational checklist and tool III, pain assessment scale. Results: The study revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in decreasing pain intensity among the study group after implementing the deep breathing technique. Conclusion: the application of the deep breathing technique for burned patients was effective in decreasing pain intensity. Recommendations: Apply the deep breathing technique for burned patients by teaching technique before wound care and apply it during and after wound care as routine and regular care to decrease pain intensity associated with wound care.