The Experience of Facial Prosthesis

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The Experience of Facial Prosthesis

  • IRAS ID

    202394

  • Contact name

    Iona Shepherd

  • Contact email

    ishepherd2@sheffield.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    The University of Sheffield

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    STH19363, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust project number; 15-11-01, The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust project number

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 1 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    Facial prostheses are used to restore form and function following facial trauma when surgical reconstruction is not possible. The psychosocial impact of facial disfigurement is well known and there is evidence suggesting a similar experience amongst those with a facial prosthesis. This study aims to redress the lack of qualitative research exploring the psychosocial experience of having a facial prosthesis. Eight-ten prosthetic patients will participate in semi-structured interviews and a photo elicitation task, in which they will take photographs over a period of a few weeks of anything that reminds them of some aspect of having a facial prosthesis. The photographs will then be used to prompt discussion in the interview. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis will be used to identify themes from transcribed data. It is envisaged that the findings will inform services and contribute to theories of adjustment to facial difference and use of prostheses.

  • REC name

    London - Brent Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    16/LO/0713

  • Date of REC Opinion

    15 Apr 2016

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion