Facial Reanimation Surgery: An Investigation on the Role of Online Information Sharing in Patient Education and Decision Making.

Purpose: The emergence of facial reanimation surgery as a reconstructive option has sparked a growing interest among patients with facial paralysis, leading to an increase in patients seeking and sharing information on these surgical modalities. This study evaluated the role of social media in information-sharing on facial reanimation surgery.

Methods

We identified 630 Facebook groups based on the initial keyword search for "facial paralysis" and "Bell's palsy." Groups with < 100 members, non-English content, or restricted access were excluded. Within each group, searches were conducted for terms related to surgery and posts were categorized as sharing information, seeking information, sharing support, seeking support, or sharing appreciation.

Results

The search yielded 630 groups; 21 groups met the inclusion criteria (average size = 4037, largest = 31 400). Facial reanimation surgery was discussed in 15 groups, with 487 relevant posts tabulated. In the sharing information axis, posts were related to personal experiences (63%), alternatives (14%), link shares (7%), surgeon/center (5%), general recovery progression (8%), objective information on surgical modality (1%), objective information on nerve injury (1%), and general information on relevant medical research (1%). In the seeking information axis, posts were related to personal experience (71%), objective information (12%), surgeon/center (4%), second opinion (13%), and alternatives (1%).

Conclusion

Social media is an essential source of information and support for people with facial paralysis. These study findings will inform the implementation of future knowledge translation efforts to maximize education and subsequent uptake of facial reanimation reconstructive surgery.