The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthognathic patients: what have we learned?

Wemyss, C. , Benington, P., Chung, L., El-Angbawi, A. and Ayoub, A. (2022) The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthognathic patients: what have we learned? British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 60(5), pp. 629-634. (doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2021.11.017) (PMID:35125246) (PMCID:PMC8636306)

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Abstract

Background Due to the COVID-19 pandemic orthognathic surgery was suspended in the UK. The effect this had on patients, to date, is unknown. Aim: A multi-centre, cross-sectional survey was conducted in the UK to investigate the health-related impact for patients on the orthognathic surgery pathway, including those on the waiting list for surgery. Method: A structured questionnaire was designed to explore the impact of the pandemic on the patients whose orthognathic treatment was temporarily cancelled. Results: Ninety-five questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 65%. When asked if the delay due to the pandemic had caused emotional distress, 63% (51/81) agreed. Respondents experienced more distress, in relation to dental appearance (60%, 51/83), self-confidence (52% 50/83), facial appearance (53%, 44/83) and ability to eat and chew (59%, 50/83) during the pandemic. One hundred percent of patients would have had appliances fitted or their appliances adjusted during the pandemic and 93% percent of patients stated that they would attend for surgery if they were offered this during the pandemic. In conclusion, patients appear to have experienced emotional distress in relation to the delay with their orthognathic treatment. The patients should be given greater priority, during the remobilisation of elective surgery. They should have access to ongoing psychological support, where delays affect their treatment. The “surgery-first” approach may be considered, for suitable patients, to minimise the duration of the treatment journey.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ayoub, Professor Ashraf and Wemyss, Mr Callum and El-Angbawi, Mr Ahmed and Chung, Ms Lucy and Benington, Mr Philip
Authors: Wemyss, C., Benington, P., Chung, L., El-Angbawi, A., and Ayoub, A.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
Journal Name:British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0266-4356
ISSN (Online):1532-1940
Published Online:02 December 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
First Published:First published in British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 60(5): 629-634
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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