The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural interventions provided at Outlook: a disfigurement support unit

Abstract

Rationale, aims and objectives: The establishment and evaluation of a disfigurement support unit (Outlook), based in a district general hospital is described.

Methods: The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural interventions provided for 36 adults referred from a range of specialties was evaluated through the use of semistructured interviews, and standardized and visual analogue scales completed at initial assessment, at the end of intervention and at 6 months follow-up.

Results: There were significant improvements on all measures at the end of intervention, which were maintained at 6-month follow-up, including social anxiety, appearance-related distress, general anxiety and depression. Clients also reported significant improvements in positive affect and satisfaction with life. They felt more confident with strangers and in dealing with new social situations. In addition, their perceptions of the noticeability of their condition, both to themselves and to others, had significantly reduced. Dendograms revealed two distinct groupings of clients, with one group showing greater improvements following intervention.

Conclusions: The results suggest that Outlook represents a valuable addition to the current provision of surgical and medical care.