Exploring patient values and perceptions with facial nerve palsy to help guide management: An Australian perspective
**Background**: Facial nerve palsy (FNP) leads to a combination of aesthetic and functional deficits with profound psychosocial consequences. Significant advances have been made in restoring dynamic function through a range of facial reanimation solutions. Patient-reported severity scales are predet...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
2023-08-01
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| Series: | Australasian Journal of Plastic Surgery |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.34239/ajops.74141 |
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| Summary: | **Background**: Facial nerve palsy (FNP) leads to a combination of aesthetic and functional deficits with profound psychosocial consequences. Significant advances have been made in restoring dynamic function through a range of facial reanimation solutions. Patient-reported severity scales are predetermined metrics that provide limited insight into patient values and perceptions. A qualitative study was conducted to elicit the experiences of patients with FNP and explore their views and motivations for seeking therapy.
**Methods**: Participants were sourced from the Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute Database, Australia. Eligibility for the study included age over 18 years and a diagnosis of complete FNP. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and the transcripts were subjected to thematic text analysis.
**Results**: Nineteen patients consented to participate in the study. One was excluded due to an isolated marginal mandibular nerve palsy. Five main themes emerged: eye symptoms, fear of judgement and social withdrawal, aversion to further invasive surgeries, the need for multidisciplinary streamlined care and lack of public awareness.
**Conclusion**: Eye symptoms and the social consequences of FNP carry significant impact on both patients’ personal and professional lives. There is a paucity of services that can support patients across the complex spectrum of problems seen in FNP. |
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| ISSN: | 2209-170X |