Knowledge of Internet-using patients about the perioperative period of orthognathic surgery

Abstract

Background: Identify the knowledge and information needs of Internet-using patients undergoing orthognathic surgery by blogs and virtual communities.

Methods: Exploratory descriptive study that obtained the data from virtual communities and blogs of Portuguese language not administrated by surgeons or treatment clinics. Thematic content analysis was used to identify the comments of interest and it was identified 257 posts that fit the study’s objective.

Results: The data were separated in two groups: pre and post-operatory period. The most common topics were related to recovery, paresthesia, costs, edema, fear, and outcome. Other problems, such as pain, eating, anesthesia, regret, mouth opening, kissing, doubt, laser therapy, voice changes, procedures, counsel, difficulty breathing, acne, orthodontics, relief, faith, physical therapy, medical licensure, hair loss, and acupuncture, were also discussed.

Conclusions: Based on this analysis, we concluded that principal information needs of internet-using patients are related to the recovery of the masticatory functions and reducing the edema and paresthesia. A good professional-patient bond can help patients to clarify their doubts and avoid the use of Internet to solve their postoperative difficulties.