Survey of methods of facial palsy documentation in use by members of the Sir Charles Bell Society.
OBJECTIVE
Facial palsy manifests a broad array of deficits affecting function, form, and psychological well-being. Assessment scales were introduced to standardize and document the features of facial palsy and to facilitate the exchange of information and comparison of outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine which assessment methodologies are currently employed by those involved in the care of patients with facial palsy as a first step toward the development of consensus on the appropriate assessments for this patient population.


METHODS
Online questionnaire.


METHODS
The Sir Charles Bell Society, a group of professionals dedicated to the care of patients with facial palsy, were surveyed to determine the scales used to document facial nerve function, patient reported outcome measures (PROM), and photographic documentation.


RESULTS
Fifty-five percent of the membership responded (n = 83). Grading scales were used by 95%, most commonly the House-Brackmann and Sunnybrook scales. PROMs were used by 58%, typically the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation scale or Facial Disability Index. All used photographic recordings, but variability existed among the facial expressions used. Videography was performed by 82%, and mostly involved the same views as still photography; it was also used to document spontaneous movement and speech. Three-dimensional imaging was employed by 18% of respondents.


CONCLUSIONS
There exists significant heterogeneity in assessments among clinicians, which impedes straightforward comparisons of outcomes following recovery and intervention. Widespread adoption of structured assessments, including scales, PROMs, photography, and videography, will facilitate communication and comparison among those who study the effects of interventions on this population.
Facial Nerve Programme, Regional Paediatric Burns and Plastic Surgery Service, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Adel Y
AY
Fattah
Javier
J
Gavilan
Tessa A
TA
Hadlock
Jeffrey R
JR
Marcus
Henri
H
Marres
Charles
C
Nduka
William H
WH
Slattery
Alison K
AK
Snyder-Warwick
D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D020407:Internet; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D009462:Neurology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012955:Societies, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Facial nerve; assessment; palsy