Cleft lip and palate care in the United Kingdom--the Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG) Study. Part 4: outcome comparisons, training, and conclusions.

OBJECTIVE

A critical appraisal of cleft care in the United Kingdom.

DESIGN

Retrospective comparative study.

SETTING

All National Health Service cleft centers in the United Kingdom.

PATIENTS/

PARTICIPANTS

Children born with unilateral complete clefts of the lip and palate between April 1, 1982, and March 31, 1984 (12-year-olds), and April 1, 1989, and March 31, 1991 (5-year-olds). Newly appointed and senior cleft clinicians.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Skeletal pattern, dental arch relationship, success of alveolar bone grafting, dental health, facial appearance, oral health status, patient/parent satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper highlights the poor outcomes for the fragmented cleft care in the United Kingdom, compared with European centers. There is an urgent need for a review of structure, organization, and training.