Nicola Marie Stock1, Fabio Zucchelli1, Nichola Hudson2, James D Kiff1, Vanessa Hammond3. 1. Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, United Kingdom. 2. Spires Cleft Centre, Salisbury, United Kingdom. 3. Welsh Centre for Cleft Lip and Palate, Swansea, United Kingdom.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The importance of psychosocial aspects of care has received growing recognition in recent years. However, the evidence base for psychosocial intervention remains limited. Specialist clinicians working in cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) services hold a wealth of knowledge and experience yet to be elicited. The aims of this study were to identify common psychosocial challenges and potential risk and/or protective factors for psychosocial distress from the perspective of specialist clinicians and to establish the types of interventions currently being delivered in practice. DESIGN: Individual interviews with 17 clinical nurse specialists and 19 specialist clinical psychologists, representing all 16 UK CL/P surgical sites. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Numerous psychosocial challenges affecting individuals with CL/P and their families were identified across the life span. Risk factors were predominantly contextual in nature, while protective factors appeared amenable to intervention. Participants drew upon a range of therapeutic models and approaches to guide formulation and intervention, while acknowledging the lack of evidence to support these approaches in CL/P populations specifically. CONCLUSIONS: Findings have important implications for the way in which psychosocial support for CL/P and related conditions is delivered and evaluated. A framework for the standardized assessment of holistic individual and familial well-being is proposed. Suggestions for increasing the evidence base for specific psychosocial interventions are made, including enhanced family functioning; social, emotional, and appearance concerns; treatment decision-making; and screening for psychosocial and developmental issues.
OBJECTIVES: The importance of psychosocial aspects of care has received growing recognition in recent years. However, the evidence base for psychosocial intervention remains limited. Specialist clinicians working in cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) services hold a wealth of knowledge and experience yet to be elicited. The aims of this study were to identify common psychosocial challenges and potential risk and/or protective factors for psychosocial distress from the perspective of specialist clinicians and to establish the types of interventions currently being delivered in practice. DESIGN: Individual interviews with 17 clinical nurse specialists and 19 specialist clinical psychologists, representing all 16 UK CL/P surgical sites. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS:Numerous psychosocial challenges affecting individuals with CL/P and their families were identified across the life span. Risk factors were predominantly contextual in nature, while protective factors appeared amenable to intervention. Participants drew upon a range of therapeutic models and approaches to guide formulation and intervention, while acknowledging the lack of evidence to support these approaches in CL/P populations specifically. CONCLUSIONS: Findings have important implications for the way in which psychosocial support for CL/P and related conditions is delivered and evaluated. A framework for the standardized assessment of holistic individual and familial well-being is proposed. Suggestions for increasing the evidence base for specific psychosocial interventions are made, including enhanced family functioning; social, emotional, and appearance concerns; treatment decision-making; and screening for psychosocial and developmental issues.
Entities:
Keywords:
chronic health conditions; cleft lip and palate; psychosocial intervention; risk and protective factors