Cleft Team Clinicians' Perspectives on the Process of Patient Transition from Childhood to Adulthood in New Zealand.

ObjectiveThis study sought to understand cleft team clinician experiences of transitioning patients from pediatric to adult cleft care services in New Zealand.DesignThe qualitative study conducted 4 interviews and 4 focus groups with Cleft Team clinicians either in person or over Zoom. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify themes.ParticipantsTwelve Cleft Team clinicians from 4 Health New Zealand cleft services.ResultsPatients are treated by the same clinicians both before and after transition, however, changes at age 16 include gaining treatment decision-making autonomy, inpatient stays within general plastic surgery wards, and evolving life experiences outside of the hospital. Clinicians reported unmet psychosocial needs of patients and their families, and difficulties experienced by patients returning to cleft services as adults. The development of peer support networks between adolescents and young adults who have experiences of cleft care is also recommended.ConclusionsOngoing cleft care provision and expansion of services are recommended. Furthermore, future studies to understand patients' perspectives of transition are paramount, and incorporating patient voice into any proposed interventions is essential. Potential supports for families of patients with a cleft should also be further investigated, and the application of international standards would promote increased consistency and collaboration between the practice of Cleft Team clinicians around the world.