Psychosocial distress and psychological adjustment in patients with ocular loss: a framework analysis

Patients with ocular loss tend to have physical and psychosocial difficulties. Maxillofacial prosthetic specialists involved in the treatment should be trained with competence to manage psychological complications. However, due to the multifactorial origin of the psychosocial distress, designing such training activities can be challenging. This research aimed to construct a conceptual framework illustrating the effects of ocular loss on patients' physical and psychosocial well-being and their coping strategies, to propose the learning content of training sessions.

A semi-structured interview and a topic guide were employed to explore the perceptions from patients who were receiving their first custom ocular prosthesis, fabricated by maxillofacial prosthodontists. The participants were selected using a purposeful sampling up until data saturation. The data were analyzed using framework analysis.

Twelve patients participated in this research. Four main themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) Impact of ocular loss, (2) Factors influencing psychosocial distress, (3) Psychological adjustment, and (4) Expected treatment outcomes. Each theme appeared to have influence on the other, rather than presenting itself independently. Although patients with ocular loss experienced both physical and psychosocial difficulties, psychological distress was greatly influenced by self-perceived disfigurement, etiology, and social status. Therefore, they needed to develop their coping strategies including rehabilitation with ocular prosthesis.

Various forms of psychological adjustments were necessary in these patients with ocular loss to resume their daily lives. The specialist involved in the treatment should also partake in patients' psychological adjustment and should be competent in psychological management skills, such as supporting patients to meet their expectations.