Care Of Maxillofacial Surgery In-Patients: Is There A Need For Post Basic Nursing Training In Maxillofacial Surgery?

Abstract

Introduction  
The successful management of surgical patients requires a team of well trained personnel including surgeons, nurses and other ancillary staff. The evolution of specialization in the field of surgery has led to concomitant specialization in nursing care beyond the basic nursing training. In Nigeria, this is typified in Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Plastic surgery, Orthopaedics and Gynaecology.

Statement of the Problem 
Continuous increase in surgical skill base in maxillofacial surgery in Nigeria, especially in the areas of microvascular reconstructive surgery, orthognathic surgery, distraction osteogenesis and temporomandibular joint surgeries necessitate attendant improvement in maxillofacial nursing care. Presently in Nigeria, in-patient maxillofacial surgical care is attended to by general nurses or specialized nurses in otorhinolaryngology and ophthalmology. These groups of nurses have limited knowledge and understanding of the orofacial region and may encounter varying degree of challenges in the nursing care of maxillofacial in-patients. At present, the Dental Surgery Assistants (DSA) who have some level of dental education and assist the oral and maxillofacial surgeon during out-patient surgical procedures have no role in the management of maxillofacial surgical in-patients as they are only trained to assist the dental surgeons in the clinics. There is therefore a need for advocacy to make a case for the post basic training of personnel providing maxillofacial nursing services and care.

Conclusion  
The level of care received by maxillofacial surgical in-patient is at present that offered by general nurses and at best, that provided by post basic nurses from allied surgical specialties. Nurses or dental surgery assistants with post basic training in maxillofacial care would ideally be best suited to provide sound nursing care of maxillofacial in-patients.