Patients´ Experiences of Calorimetry Measurements

A severe burn injury affects not only the skin but also how the body uses energy. Many patients have increased energy needs during recovery, and healthcare professionals use a method called indirect calorimetry to measure the body's energy expenditure and help provide appropriate nutritional treatment. During the measurement, the patient rests comfortably while wearing a transparent canopy over the head for approximately 10 to 30 minutes. The equipment measures oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production to estimate the body's energy needs. Although indirect calorimetry is commonly used in burn care, little is known about how patients experience the procedure. The aim of this study is to explore patients' experiences of undergoing indirect calorimetry after a burn injury. Participants will be interviewed about their experiences of the measurement. By analyzing these interviews, we hope to gain a better understanding of patients' perspectives and identify ways to improve information, preparation, comfort, and overall care related to the procedure. Ultimately, this may help make the assessment more comfortable for patients and support high-quality individualized nutritional treatment.