About FacialPalsyPath

Why create FacialPalsyPath?

FacialPalsyPath is an online hub for learning about facial paralysis geared towards people with a recent diagnosis or their loved ones.

Facial paralysis is a daunting diagnosis, and important to showcase. It is important for us to share how intimidating it can feel to have your face, a pivotal part of your identity, change so drastically, and also share that those feelings are completely normal.

In order to provide a person-first resource, we developed FacialPalsyPath to act as a source of clear, accessible, and accurate health information by providing clear learning points on anatomy, facial paralysis, clinical visits, and treatment options.

Key Learning Objectives:

• To create a person-first resource that addresses frequently asked questions highlighted during shadowing sessions at the Facial Paralysis and Facial Nerve Dysfunction Clinic at UHN.
• To leverage visuals to increase engagement and information accessibility for learning about facial paralysis.
• To provide a resource that illustrates real examples of facial paralysis in order to destigmatize it and help people see themselves represented.

FacialPalsyPath was created as a Master’s Research Project for the professional Master’s course Biomedical Communication at the University of Toronto. This project was developed in collaboration with Dr. Kevin Zuo at Toronto Western Hospital (UHN) for the Facial Paralysis and Facial Nerve Dysfunction Clinic.

Educational Posters

Part of the FacialPalsyPath educational project was to create 3 anatomical posters to help visualize the anatomy of the facial nerve, an overview of facial paralysis and different treatment options. These posters are available to download for free below and can be printed for personal use.

Understanding the Facial Nerve

Understanding Facial Paralysis

Understanding Treatment Options

All posters are for educational purposes and personal use only. They cannot be sold or distributed without permission.

Meet the Team

Designer & Developer

Ella Eberhardt, DEC, Hons. BSc, MScBMC

Biomedical Communicator

Led research, development, design, illustration, and production of FacialPalsyPath.

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Advisory Committee

Dr. Shelley Wall

AOCAD, MScBMC, PhD, CMI, FAMI

Faculty Supervisor

Provided guidance on the development, design and supported the person-first approach of the project.

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Dr. Kevin Zuo

MD, MASc, FRCSC

Content Expert

Provided guidance on scientific accuracy for the written content as well as the visuals. Coordinated the research associated with this project.

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Michael Corrin

BFA, BA, Hons. BSc, MScBMC, CMI

Second Voting Member

Provided guidance on the development, and deployment of the project.

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Acknowledgements

This project was done alongside research into how to best create accessible learning material especially as it focuses on medical information. We would like to say thank you to the patients and healthcare providers who participated in the research and provided feedback on the project. We would also like to thank Dr. Kevin Zuo for his guidance and support throughout the project.