Exploring the Experiences of Adults With Microtia: A Qualitative Study
| Autor: | Diana Harcourt, Claire Hamlet |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2020 |
| Předmět: |
psychosocial
Adult medicine.medical_specialty Ear reconstruction Audiology hemifacial microsomia 03 medical and health sciences Young Adult ear reconstruction 0302 clinical medicine Quality of life (healthcare) Formerly Health & Social Sciences Medicine Humans Ear External 030223 otorhinolaryngology Qualitative Research Congenital Microtia support business.industry Hearing Tests Microtia Original Articles 030206 dentistry Middle Aged Plastic Surgery Procedures medicine.disease Hemifacial microsomia quality of life Otorhinolaryngology microtia hemifacial microsomia ear reconstruction psychosocial quality of life support Female microtia Oral Surgery business Psychosocial Qualitative research |
| Zdroj: | The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal |
| ISSN: | 1545-1569 1055-6656 |
| Popis: | Objective: Microtia is a medically complex condition, with the option of surgery to address hearing and reconstruct the ear. The current study explored adults’ experiences of microtia, with a particular focus on the psychosocial impact and experiences of ear reconstruction. The ultimate aim was to identify areas for support and future research that could improve patient care. Design: Fifteen adults (12 females) aged between 20 and 62 years took part in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes were identified in the data: microtia as an invisible difference, surgery as a welcome opportunity, and living well with microtia. Participants had incorporated microtia into their self-concept and did not report a lasting negative impact on their lives. However, some psychosocial challenges were reported, including anxiety about showing their ears (even after reconstruction), disclosing their diagnosis to romantic partners, surgical decision-making, and feeling unsupported in the work environment. Conclusion: Individuals with microtia may benefit from psychosocial interventions to increase confidence, access to support for treatment decision-making, and guidance around disclosing microtia to employers. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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