Exploring Adult’s Experiences of Living with Acquired Facial Palsy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring Adult’s Experiences of Living with Acquired Facial Palsy from Symptom Onset to Treatment
IRAS ID
305336
Contact name
Kevin Vowles
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen's University Belfast
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 29 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
Facial Palsy refers to a weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. There exist a variety of causes, though common to most presentations is functional impairment. Research to date has indicated that individuals living with Facial Palsy may experience psychological distress, yet little is understood about what it is like to live with Facial Palsy and particular areas of challenge or need. This study will examine the illness experiences of individuals within a clinical setting who have received specialist surgical intervention. A qualitative method known as Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) is considered most suitable for examining illness experiences.This research therefore aims to gain an understanding of the meanings attached to experiences from symptom onset through diagnosis, post-diagnostic adjustment and specialist intervention. In doing so, the research aims to provide insight into what has been helpful or not, barriers or enablers of a successful recovery journey, and how can these inform what is necessary for an appropriate care pathway.
Summary of Results
Acquired Facial Palsy (AFP) refers to a weakness or paralysis of the facial nerve arising from a myriad of aetiological factors, with resultant impacts on function and physical appearance. In a bid to further the understanding of quantitative findings indicative of psychological distress, this study aimed to explore adults’ experiences of living with AFP from the onset of symptoms diagnosis through to experience of specialist treatment in a specialist service. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of semi-structured interviews with eight individuals with AFP resulted in the three superordinate themes of ‘A Struggle with Identity’, ‘Isolation and Dismissal: The Role of Systems’ and ‘Experience of Care Specialisms’, and respective subordinate themes. The results are discussed in the context of key literature, clinical implications and limitations. Key considerations were given to healthcare service models and what the discipline of psychology may contribute directly and indirectly.REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
22/NI/0019
Date of REC Opinion
15 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion