Psychosocial aspects of facial disfigurement: Problems, management and the role of a lay-led organization

The problems of facial disfigurement are becoming more widely understood as information from different research areas becomes better integrated. This paper reviews this research, describing the problems faced by people who have a disfigurement and the results of intervention studies. The 'package' of care provided to this population by a lay-led organization is described, and a framework proposed which integrates the development of coping skills with the more traditional role of providing support and information. This framework uniquely recognizes the potential therapeutic role of the ex-patient for the population served, and builds this role into the package. It is proposed as a potentially useful model for health professionals providing a service in other health care settings.