Assessment and management of idiopathic facial (Bell's) palsy: comparison of Nova Scotia family physicians and otolaryngologists.
Acute idiopathic facial paralysis, or Bell's palsy, is frequently encountered in clinical practice. The present study compares knowledge of Bell's palsy assessment and management between a group of family physicians and otolaryngologists practising in Nova Scotia. Respondents completed a questionnaire and statistical analyses were performed on selected data. There were similarities regarding Bell's palsy assessment and management, but there were notable differences in the ability to distinguish Bell's palsy on the basis of symptomatic complaints, specific counselling strategies, length of patient follow-up, and use of appropriate diagnostic tests. This needs assessment suggests several areas where a family physician continuing medical education program on management of acute facial paralysis may be beneficial.
Apostolides
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Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Carr
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D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020330:Bell Palsy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D002983:Clinical Competence; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003376:Counseling; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009674:Nova Scotia; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000175:diagnosis; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education; D010808:Physical Examination; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011379:Prognosis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011241:Prednisone