E-Health and telemedicine applications in plastic surgery and the treatment of facial palsy

Abstract

Facial palsy (FP) is a life changing condition with physical, aesthetic, functional and psychosocial consequences, which requires specialized diagnosis, rehabilitation and (surgical) management to improve facial function and reduce its negative effects. Since patients remain in follow-up during their life and often have to travel far to receive treatment, improvements can be made in the field of telemedicine. Telemedicine is a growing field of study in medical practice and several advances have been made in the field of plastic surgery. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, considerable experience was gained in this way of consultation. This review provides an overview of current research available in the field of E-Health and M-Health in plastic surgery and for patients with a peripheral facial palsy.

Keywords

• E-Health
• M-Health
• Telemedicine
• Facial plastic surgery
• Facial palsy