Living Quality after Complete Rehabilitation of Head, Neck, and Orofacial Infections: Role of Interdisciplinary Approach.

BACKGROUND

Severe head, neck, and orofacial infections can cause significant functional and psychological impairment. Rehabilitation requires an interdisciplinary approach involving surgical, dental, speech, nutritional, and psychological care to restore quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted on 120 patients (mean age: 47.6 ± 9.8 years) who completed medical and surgical management for severe infections. Participants underwent a 12-month interdisciplinary rehabilitation program comprising oral-maxillofacial surgery follow-up, dental prosthetic rehabilitation, physiotherapy, speech therapy, nutrition counseling, and psychological support. QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF at baseline (postacute phase) and 12 months. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were observed in physical (from 48.3 ± 6.4 to 72.1 ± 5.8, P < 0.001), psychological (from 51.7 ± 7.2 to 77.9 ± 6.1, P < 0.001), social (from 54.6 ± 8.1 to 80.4 ± 5.9, P < 0.001), and environmental (from 56.2 ± 6.8 to 81.3 ± 6.4, P < 0.001) domains of WHOQOL-BREF. Speech clarity improved in 83.3% of patients, chewing efficiency in 88.7%, and return-to-work rate reached 76.2% by 12 months. Psychological counselling contributed to a 64.5% reduction in depression scores (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

An interdisciplinary rehabilitation approach significantly enhances physical function, psychosocial well-being, and social reintegration after complete recovery from head, neck, and orofacial infections. Coordinated care ensures optimal functional restoration and improved living quality.