Journal article
Piloting Patient Reported Outcome Measures in Cleft Lip and Palate Services in Aotearoa New Zealand
The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal, Vol.First online
15/04/2026
PMID: 41983960
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Abstract
Objective: Standardized patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are rarely used in cleft lip and palate (CL/P) care within New Zealand (NZ). This pilot study sought to obtain a baseline of patient-reported outcomes in NZ and evaluate clinicians' experiences of implementing PROMs into CL/P services.
Design: A mixed methods cross-sectional design using CLEFT-Q scales. Data were compared to published CL/P CLEFT-Q norms using t-tests, and within-group differences were investigated. Qualitative interviews were analyzed using codebook thematic analysis.
Setting: Five CL/P teams in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Participants: Patients aged 12+ years (n = 101) were recruited through the five Health NZ CL/P teams between April 2023-March 2024. Five CL/P team members responsible for recruitment participated in an interview at the conclusion of the trial.
Results: Compared with normative data, patients reported more favorable outcomes on speech distress and school function, and poorer psychological function. Speech and social function scores were aligned with CL/P norms. Patients aged 18+ reported the lowest psychological functioning and females reported the lowest social functioning. Clinicians recognized the value of PROMs, yet highlighted concerns about insufficient resourcing to administer, review, and provide follow-up.
Conclusions: Psychological function is indicated as an area of concern, particularly for adults with CL/P. Routine use of PROMs would evaluate change in measures of function over time and enhance patient-centered holistic care. Greater personnel and IT resourcing would facilitate routine implementation of PROMs in CL/P teams.
Details
- Title
- Piloting Patient Reported Outcome Measures in Cleft Lip and Palate Services in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Creators
- Kenny Ardouin - University of CanterburyNicola Stock - University of the West of EnglandTika Ormond - University of CanterburyPhoebe Macrae - University of Canterbury
- Publication Details
- The Cleft palate-craniofacial journal, Vol.First online
- Publisher
- Sage
- Number of pages
- 12
- Grant note
- This work was supported by the Child Well-being Research Institute (Grant Number: 420SG242KA).
- Identifiers
- 991013389897602368
- Copyright
- © 2026, American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article