Falling through the gap: Dental treatment experiences of patients affected by cleft lip and/or palate

Stock, Nicola Marie; Sharratt, Nicholas; Heath, Jennifer; Nankivell, D; Martindale, Anna; Ridley, Matthew; Ahmed, Adeel; McMullin, Ailbhe; Cunniffe, Claire

doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2018.542

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 15 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…For example, Searle et al (2017) identified a lack of understanding of the issues surrounding CL/P among GDPs. Stock and colleagues (2018) also highlighted a lack of knowledge of CL/P and its treatment among GDPs, as well as how and when to refer patients to specialist services. These authors suggested that improved training and resources, in addition to closer collaboration between specialist CL/P teams and local professionals was needed.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical Health in Adults Born With Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Whole of Life Survey in the United Kingdom

Ardouin

Davis

Stock

2020

The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objectives: Previous research in the field of cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) has indicated a high prevalence of common health concerns, functional difficulties, and additional conditions known to affect long-term physical health, cognitive development, and psychological well-being. The aim of the present study was to examine the self-reported physical health of a national sample of adults born with CL/P. Design: Drawing upon previous literature, an online, mixed-methods survey was designed by the Cleft Lip and Palate Association in collaboration with the Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England. A total of 207 eligible responses were received between July and October 2018. Qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A considerable proportion of participants reported one or more comorbid conditions, including common health concerns, difficulties related to language and/or learning, unresolved speech and/or hearing issues, problems with vision, breathing difficulties, and concerns related to eating and drinking. Many participants were unaware of their entitlement to specialist treatment, and some had experienced difficulties accessing specialist services through their general practitioner (GP). Conclusions: Individuals with CL/P may be at risk of physical health issues persisting into adulthood. The monitoring of physical symptoms from an early age is recommended, as is a routine physical assessment for adults returning to the CL/P service later in life. Education for both GPs and adults is warranted. Future studies could investigate the wider prevalence of comorbid conditions in CL/P, in order to better understand the longer-term health burden.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Physical Health in Adults Born With Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Whole of Life Survey in the United Kingdom

Ardouin

Davis

Stock

2020

The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Consequently, some had paid for private treatment. Previous qualitative research has also highlighted these issues, stating the need for access to information, treatment, and support in adulthood, while acknowledging the difficulties for the NHS and its partners in reaching a population who have previously been "discharged" from the CL/P service (Stock et al, 2015;Stock et al, 2018). This is a particular challenge for those adults who were "discharged" prior to the centralization of cleft care and who may therefore be entirely unaware of the existence of specialist CL/P teams.…”

Section: Access To Local and Specialist Treatmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In some areas of the United Kingdom, a self-referral made directly to the cleft team is possible, yet this is not uniform process across the United Kingdom. Previous research has identified a potential lack of knowledge among local health professionals (including GPs and GDPs) regarding CL/P and the corresponding routine treatment pathway (Stock et al, 2015;Stock et al, 2018). Researchers have subsequently called for improved training and resources for local practitioners, closer communication between local practitioners and specialist CL/P teams, and a move by the tertiary sector to inform and empower patients to advocate their eligibility to NHS treatment (Stock et al, 2018).…”

Section: Access To Local and Specialist Treatmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Treatment Experiences in Adults Born With Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Whole of Life Survey in the United Kingdom

Ardouin

Drake

Popat

et al. 2020

The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objectives: Adults with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) may report dissatisfaction with aesthetic and/or functional outcomes and express desire for further treatment. Although medical intervention can improve quality of life, surgical procedures require complex decision-making and can invoke psychological distress. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of ongoing treatment-related support needs by examining self-reported treatment experiences of a sample of adults born with CL/P. Design: An online, mixed-methods survey was designed by the Cleft Lip and Palate Association in collaboration with the Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England. A total of 207 eligible responses were received. Qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Although participants were satisfied with surgical and dental/orthodontic outcomes overall, many reported ongoing difficulties. Some stated they would seek further treatment while others felt conflicted about risks and benefits. Some had refused treatment, citing treatment fatigue, anxiety, and/or concerns that treatment would be unsuccessful. More than 40% of participants were unaware of their entitlement to cleft-related treatment provided by the National Health Service, and many others had experienced difficulties accessing care. Conclusions: Although advances in health care may offer opportunities for adults to improve their quality of life, treatment decisions should be weighed with the support of a clinical psychologist where available. Guidance for young adults considering future treatment is also recommended. Finally, training and resources for local practitioners may improve general awareness of CL/P services and increase access to specialist care for adults with ongoing CL/P-related concerns.

show abstract

Challenges for dental care of the paediatric patient born with cleft lip and/or palate

May

Smallridge

Collard³

et al. 2023

Br Dent J

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Falling through the gap: Dental treatment experiences of patients affected by cleft lip and/or palate

Cited by 5 publications

References 15 publications

Physical Health in Adults Born With Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Whole of Life Survey in the United Kingdom

Physical Health in Adults Born With Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Whole of Life Survey in the United Kingdom

Treatment Experiences in Adults Born With Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Whole of Life Survey in the United Kingdom

Challenges for dental care of the paediatric patient born with cleft lip and/or palate

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About