Information-seeking behaviour of orthognathic patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Information-seeking behaviour of orthognathic patients: an exploratory study
IRAS ID
280689
Contact name
Ninu Paul
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
Orthognathic treatment is jaw surgery together with brace treatment to correct a significant discrepancy of the jaws, which may have functional as well as aesthetic effects on individuals. This major elective procedure involves up to three years of treatment and results in dramatic facial changes. Usually, the first contact with the treatment pathway is with an orthodontist in a hospital setting, then individuals are seen on a joint clinic with both a consultant orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The braces are on before, during and after the surgery. Surgery is done when they are asleep, under general anaesthesia and recovery may necessitate up to four weeks off work or studies. For surgery, on the lower jaw, a minority of cases result in an area of permanent numbness. Information and shared decision-making prior to committing to having treatment is an ethical and legal requirement. Currently, information provision shows considerable variability in readability, quality and effectiveness. Previous work to assess the information provided in this field has been from a clinician’s perspective, evaluating what professionals believe patients should be told, rather than identifying what information patients value. To address these inadequacies, there is a need to characterize what patients want to know, the method patients prefer and why patients search for information. One key development is COVID, patients should be informed of the risks and impact of COVID on their treatment. This study will use qualitative methodology through semi-structured interviews to explore information-seeking behaviour. Patients will be recruited from clinics. Once informed consent has been obtained, interviews will be conducted by online means, responses will be anonymised and treated as confidential. Up to 15 patients will be interviewed for 45-60 minutes. Findings will provide the foundation for the development of a patient-centred questionnaire in the future and better inform our service.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/EM/0303
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jan 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion