International confederation for cleft lip and palate and related craniofacial anomalies task force report: holistic outcomes.

Objective

This paper describes the process and outcomes of the 2013 American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association task force on Holistic Outcomes. The goals and membership of the task force are presented.

Methods

Using internet communication, the group introduced themselves, shared ideas and information related to holistic assessment and implementation of using a validated holistic measure, the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP) at participating international sites.

Results

Data from the sites were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Administration of the COHIP was successful. It varied from self-completion as well as verbal presentation due to language differences and a function of the short time period to complete collection. Additionally qualitative comments were reported by the task force site directors.

Conclusions

Future directions for holistic assessment and communication among task force members and sites were discussed at the Congress and are presented in this report.