Comparative Effectiveness Studies Examining Patient-Reported Outcomes among Children with Cleft Lip and/or Palate. Issue 1 (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ranganathan, Kavitha; Vercler, Christian J.; Warschausky, Seth A.; MacEachern, Mark P.; Buchman, Steven R.; Waljee, Jennifer F.
• Is Part Of: Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Volume 135:Issue 1(2015:Jan.)
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 617.95205
• DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000000825
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-1052

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title>Background:</title> <p>Health care policy makers are increasingly encouraging comparative effectiveness research. Little is known regarding comparative studies among children with cleft lip and/or palate. Cleft lip and/or palate profoundly influences self-perception and social functioning, and patient-reported outcomes provide a unique perspective on the success of reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding patient-reported outcomes among patients with cleft lip and/or palate.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Methods:</title> <p>The authors reviewed articles from MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycInfo that examined the use of patient-reported outcome instruments for cleft lip and/or palate. Studies of patients with cleft lip and/or palate across any age that described the use of patient-completed measures in patient and control populations were included. A research librarian confirmed the search, and two independent, blinded reviewers performed full-text review.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Results:</title> <p>The authors identified 1979 articles and selected 30 for inclusion. Forty-two different assessment tools were used to analyze factors such as self-esteem, behavior, and social support. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was most commonly used (<italic>n</italic> = 7), followed by the Childhood Experience Questionnaire (<italic>n</italic> = 5), and the Satisfaction with Appearance survey (<italic>n</italic> = 4). Barriers to analysis included lack of standardization of survey administration, effect of publication bias, and variations in patient populations between individual studies.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Conclusions:</title> <p>Comparative studies of patient-reported outcomes among patients with cleft lip and/or palate are infrequent. Many instruments exist to measure patient-reported outcomes in this population, but no specific standard exists. Identifying efficient and targeted forms of instrument selection and administration will enhance comparative studies among children with cleft lip and/or palate.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:</title> <p>Diagnostic, III.</p> </sec> </abstract>