Authors (including presenting author) :
Yuen WY(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Caritas Medical Centre
Introduction :
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation may appear in up to 5% of the population during their lifetime. After reduction in A&E, a Chin cap would be applied to secure the jaw in the reduced position for at least 3 to 6 weeks. The original chin cap design served the purpose of immobilization. However, it hindered ADL functioning especially in feeding and was difficult to be handled by carer. More seriously, it might cause adverse effects, for example pressure injury and abrasion, in extreme cases if not handle properly.
Objectives :
To revise the design of chin cap so as to enhance patient safety, and improve service quality.
Methodology :
The new chin cap was adapted in design, materials, and procedure of fabrication. The new material chosen was softer, smoother, and more breathable. It could promote comfort and thus a better compliance. More importantly, it could reduce the friction and shearing force between the chin cap and skin. It greatly diminished the chance for pressure injury and resulted in enhancement of patient safety. Besides, the new design made the chin cap easier to handle. It preserved ADL functioning and thus facilitated caring. The empowerment in caring, plus the improvement in material durability, could reduce the frequency of follow up and thus the total numbers of treatment session demanded. The revised procedure of fabrication could shorten the time for each consultation and improve treatment efficiency.
Result & Outcome :
The new design of chin cap served the same purpose of the old design to secure the reduced TMJ, with the advantage to enhance patient safety, and improve service quality. After adapted to the new design, the recurrent rate was reduced and no injury incident was identified. Carer showed a greater confident to handle the chin cap. The numbers of out-patient session required per case was reduced.
Co-location with:
