Recovering maxillofacial trauma patients: the hidden problems.
This longitudinal study highlights the psychological and functional problems that can result from maxillofacial trauma. This is the first study to report outcome at one year. A total of 147 patients admitted for surgery following facial trauma were recruited over a seven-month period. Three questionnaires were used to record patient-derived levels of dysfunction: the Hospital Anxiety Depression scale, a modified University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire and five non-validated facial trauma items. At one year 46 patients (31%) responded. Although there were significant improvements in scores from pre-operatively to one year, with all patients being discharged from outpatient follow-up, there was a substantial level of subjective symptomatology. Most notable was the level of anxiety and depression, which were present in 30% of the sample at both time points. Health-care professionals tend to underestimate the long-term effects of maxillofacial trauma. To improve patient care, greater appreciation of these problems is required at the time of initial management.
Sen
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P
Regional Maxillofacial Unit, University Hospital, Aintree, Liverpool, UK.
Ross
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N
Rogers
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S
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008446:Maxillofacial Injuries / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011788:Quality of Life; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom