Audiological issues in children with cleft lip and palate in one area of the U.K.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of multidisciplinary care and audiological services rendered to children with CL/P who underwent surgical repair of the cleft in 1998 and 1999. This followed proposals to radically reorganize cleft lip and palate services in the U.K. after unsatisfactory findings in a national review.

METHOD: Information was obtained from questionnaires sent to clinicians (audiologists; ear, nose, and throat surgeons; and community pediatricians) from audiology teams, and parents were asked to retrieve information from their Personal Child Health Record. Standards chosen were based on the Clinical Standards Advisory Group, the South Thames Audiology Audit Group, and the National Deaf Children's Society.

RESULTS

None of the agreed standards were achieved at an acceptable level.

CONCLUSIONS

This demonstrates the need for better communication systems between teams, including better use by parents and professionals of the Personal Child Health Record. A clinical care pathway is suggested here with other recommendations.