Experience of Bell's Palsy Patients on Facial Qigong Exercise and Efficient Educational Program: a Qualitative Study

Objectives : This study is designed to explore the experience of patients who received facial Qigong exercise education, to identify whether facial Qigong exercise is effective for Bell's Palsy patients and to aid in developing a more efficient exercise program. Methods : Eight patients who visited the Facial Palsy Center in Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital between September 2014 and December 2014 for treatment of Bell's palsy were interviewed. All patients received facial Qigong exercise education at least two times. The interview was conducted for 20 to 30 minutes and included discussion related to the experience of facial palsy, facial Qigong exercise and suggestions for a more efficient facial Qigong program. Results : The patients replied that they experienced emotions such as anxiety, depression and confusion when they discovered the symptoms of facial palsy. They also suggested that they had regained mental stability and physically recovered through facial Qigong exercise and also suggested possible improvements for the system of facial Qigong exercise in terms of time/place/educator. Conclusions : The results from the interviews suggest that facial Qigong exercise might be an effective treatment for Bell's Palsy patients from a psychological and physical perspective. A more patient-centered environment should be established to ensure efficient treatment.

특발성 안면신경마비 환자의 안면 기공요법 경험과 안면 기공요법의 효과적인 교육 방안 : 질적 연구