Background and aim: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) among burn patients is usually studied at the group level. Our objective was to study individual recovery to pre-injury level. Based on previous group level research, the effects of burn severity and PTSS on HRQL recovery were investigated. 
Method: 366 burn patients completed a retrospective pre-injury measure and post-burn EQ-5D measures at 0,3,6,12 and 18 months. PTSS (IES-R) at 6 months and information on burn severity was also collected. 
Results: At 18 months post-burn, most patients were either unaffected or recovered to pre-injury levels in each HRQL dimension. However, especially for the summary score, VAS and pain dimension a substantial number of patients did not recover. Patients who had one or more surgeries or had a high level of PTSS were less likely to recover to pre-injury HRQL over time.
Discussion: Although most patients recovered, substantial number of patients did not. Especially patients with high levels of PTSS or who needed surgery are at risk of not recovering within 18 months and may need more psychological and/or medical support.

4 - Recovery to pre-injury HRQL during 18 months following burns: The effects of burn severity and PTSS