Measuring Success
Good outcomes are about patients and their input should be central, from providing reviews, to appraisal of support during visits. There are also practical metrics which can be applied, such as recovery times.
Effectiveness in less complex procedures can be quantified, perhaps treating minor skin lesions, or wisdom tooth removal. Is the procedure used when appropriate, do pain management and healing follow good paths.
More significant head and neck surgery can be closely monitored. Are there any complications, or an unexpected return to theatre. Is restorative work, such as free tissue transfer, a long term success for our patients
That success is about quality of life, function and aesthetics. Aesthetic, or cosmetic outcome can be assessed to a reasonable extent.
Noting Valuable Research
We learn from the BAOMS study and our internal research. Others across the globe can add to improvement, with maxillofacial care becoming more widespread.
Well authored research papers on significant maxillofacial trauma are interesting to us. Others add perspective on using 3D analysis to evaluate complex head trauma, using the type of scanner we have in house.
Facial Trauma Surgery is part of our work, with accurate planning a vital aspect. Research on imaging can help, including a recent study on virtual orthodontic surgical planning, or another on rebuilding the jaw for implants.
Maxillofacial surgeons work with dental specialists and improving the accuracy of surgery related to facial profile can assist with a range of cases.
Specialist Dental Services are an integral part of function and of maxillofacial care, even though we are not dentists in a general sense.
The jaw is at the centre of our faces and an area where our practice is a leader. We should keep up with developments on new biomaterials, or improved pain relief. Other research can be granular, perhaps on the best fixation points following fractures, or on rare cancers of the jaw.
Orthognathic Jaw Surgery is another focus of current research, a method of repositioning the jaw for medical, or aesthetic reasons.
To consultant maxillofacial surgeons, these areas and more are interesting. We should equally mention the amount of research which goes into the way patients interact with our medical field, which can have a direct bearing on outcome.
Supporting People
A clinical trial for head and neck cancer patients proved valuable, looking at ways to improve the impact on their lives, alongside outcomes.
Recognition of the part communication plays in medical care was part of this and is the subject of ongoing research. Being informed counts, amongst staff and for the wellbeing of patients.
The doctor patient relationship is vital, yet a patient’s comprehension may not match the clinician’s. This study looked at avoiding misunderstanding, or anxiety in oral and maxillofacial clinics.
Providing clear information emerges as important in many studies, alongside breadth of knowledge. Having a multidisciplinary team in house and trained, motivated staff at all levels.
Our Maxillofacial Clinic is managed in ways which support these useful principles, through an ethos of constant progress.
