A Standard Set of Outcome Measures for the Comprehensive Appraisal of Cleft Care

Evaluation and recommendations of the oral health, oral function, and orofacial aesthetics-related measures of the ICHOM Standard Set for Cleft Lip and Palate

This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of outcome measures for the orofacial domain included in the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Standard Set for Cleft Lip and Palate (ICHOM-SCS). In this multicentre study involving two cleft centres, suggestions to optimize the type and timing of outcome measures were made based on data and clinical experience. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) (CLEFT-Q Jaw, Teeth, Eating/Drinking; Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Oral Symptoms Scale (COHIP-OSS)) and clinical outcome measures (caries experience and dental occlusion) data were collected retrospectively for age 5, 8, 10, 12, 19, and 22 years. The data were categorized by cleft type and analysed within and between age groups using Spearman correlation, the distribution of responses per item, a two-sample test for equality of proportions, and effect plots. Most correlations between PROMs and clinical outcome measures were weak (r < 0.5), suggesting PROMs and clinical outcome measures complement each other. The COHIP-OSS and CLEFT-Q Eating/Drinking barely detected problems in any patient category and are no longer recommended. A suitable alternative appears complex to find; outcomes of this study and the recent literature doubt an added value. Similar problems were found in the CLEFT-Q Jaw at time-point 12 years. Therefore, time-points 15 and 17 years are currently suggested.

Exploring the relationship between cleft type and speech outcome in 4-to-6-year-olds with non-syndromic cleft palate using different measures: A preliminary report

Cleft type affects speech outcomes, but exact relationships remain unclear as outcome measures vary. The primary aim was to investigate the relationship between cleft type and speech outcome using different measures in 4-to-6-year-olds with non-syndromic clefts. Secondary aims were to explore the relationships between (i) speech measures used; and (ii) parent perception of speech intelligibility and listener familiarity. Twenty-two pre-schoolers with clefts, plus one parent for each child, were recruited through a hospital outpatient clinic. Children with cleft lip and palate (CLP; n = 11) and those with cleft palate only (CP; n  = 11), matched on age and time of palate repair, were compared on Percentage Consonants Correct (PCC), clinician-reported speech intelligibility, and parent rating on the Intelligibility-in-Context Scale (ICS). Children with CLP had significantly lower PCC scores than children with CP (p = .020), but had no significant differences in their clinician- or parent-reported speech intelligibility. Clinician-reported speech intelligibility correlated significantly with both PCC (τ = .594, p < 0.01) and ICS (τ = .424, p  = 0.009). No significant correlation was found between PCC and ICS (τ =.197, p = 0.113). Overall, parents rated their child's intelligibility higher for familiar compared to unfamiliar communication partners (τ  = 2.325, p = 0.001, r  = .76). Cleft type is crucial for intervention planning when objective measures are employed. Speech outcomes should be evaluated at impairment, activity, and participation levels, and by different communication partners, to comprehensively evaluate communicative effectiveness.

Self-perceived oral health and orofacial aesthetics of cleft patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the self-perceived oral health and aesthetics of the dentition and jaw in patients with different types of oral cleft, measured by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Additionally, to compare the results of the PROMs between cleft lip and or/palate (CL/P) patients and non-affected controls.

METHODS

420 CL/P patients treated at the cleft team of the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, were included, and 138 non-cleft patients were recruited as control-group. Patient's perceptions were retrospectively evaluated using the CLEFT-Q Teeth for dental aesthetics at ages 8, 12 and 22, CLEFT-Q Jaw for jaw aesthetics at ages 12 and 22, and the Child Oral Health Impact Profile-Oral Symptoms Subscale (COHIP-OSS) for oral health at ages 8 and 12. One-way ANOVA was used to compare differences in oral health and aesthetic perceptions among age-groups, cleft types, as well as between cases and controls.

RESULTS

CL/P patients were significantly less satisfied than controls with their dental aesthetics (p = 0.001). CL/P patients reported significantly lower satisfaction on CLEFT-Q Teeth scores at ages 8 and 12, than at 22 years (p < 0.001). Patients with the most extensive cleft phenotype, Cleft Lip and Palate (CLAP), reported lowest satisfaction on the CLEFT-Q Teeth. No differences in perceptions of oral health nor in aesthetics of the jaw were found in the different cleft types, ages, nor in study versus control group.

CONCLUSION

This study found differences in self-perceived dental aesthetics: CL/P patients are less satisfied than non-affected controls. CLAP patients are least satisfied, but satisfaction increases with age.

Scoping review of outcome measures in cleft care used in research and reports

Treatment outcome measures are critical in the decision making of best practices in the OFC field. OFC consortium working groups provided standardization of outcome measures based on previous treatment outcome studies. However, the implementation of such standardization in OFC centres worldwide is unknown. This study presented mapped outcome measures in cleft care using a structured review method complemented by quantitative overview of the relevant published research to provide initial guidelines for the implementation of treatment outcome standardization. A scoping review of the literature of treatment outcomes in cleft care following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines was performed. The selected indexed paper in outcome measures mapped following the international consortium in standard set of outcome measures in cleft care. Three hundred and sixty-five articles were filtered. The most discussed domains of cleft care were dental and oral health, appearance and speech/communication. Overall, the majority of publications were produced in high-income countries. The current review indicates that there are inequalities of treatment outcome studies among the domain of cleft care. In addition, there are also inequalities of published articles from HIC versus LMIC in treatment outcomes. This information can be used to develop targeted interventions aimed at encouraging cleft centres worldwide to adapt standardized outcome measures.

Nasal airway obstruction in patients with cleft lip nasal deformity: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cleft lip nasal deformity (CLND)-associated nasal airway obstruction (CL-NAO) may be inadequately characterized, with its functional implications subsequently underappreciated and neglected. The purpose of this systematic review is to (1) summarize the available assessment results in CL-NAO, (2) evaluate the reliability of current assessment tools, and (3) identify ongoing gaps and inconsistencies for future study.

METHODS

A systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases was performed for articles studying CL-NAO. Articles focusing on noncleft populations or surgical techniques were excluded. Extracted data included information about study design, patient demographics, medical history, and assessment scores.

RESULTS

Twenty-six articles met criteria for inclusion. Assessments included patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), anatomic characterizations of CLND, and nasal airflow and resistance studies. Objective assessments were generally more reliable than subjective assessments in CLND. Unilateral CLND was better represented in the literature than bilateral CLND. For unilateral CLND, the cleft side was more obstructed than the noncleft side, with stereotyped patterns of anterior nasal deformity but varied middle and posterior deformity patterns. Overall, there was considerable heterogeneity in study design regarding stratification of CLND cohorts by age, cleft phenotype and laterality, and surgical history.

CONCLUSIONS

A wide range of subjective and objective assessment tools were used to characterize CL-NAO, including PROMs, anatomic measurements, and airflow and resistance metrics. Overall, objective assessments of CL-NAO were more reliable than subjective surveys, which may have resulted from variable expectations regarding nasal patency in the CLND population combined with large heterogeneity in study design.

Persisting speech difficulties at 7-8 years of age - a longitudinal study of speech production in internationally adopted children with cleft lip and palate

AIM

To longitudinally investigate speech production (consonant proficiency, consonant errors and perceived velopharyngeal competence) in 17 internationally adopted (IA) children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) at three time points.

METHOD

Consonant proficiency (percent consonants correct, consonant inventory) and number and type of consonant errors were calculated based on blind phonetic transcriptions of words from the Swedish Test of Articulation and Nasality (SVANTE). Velopharyngeal competence was perceptually rated by three blinded experienced speech-language pathologists at the ages of 3, 5 and 7-8 years.

RESULTS

A significant positive development of speech production was found, although most children still scored very low for consonant proficiency at the age of 7-8 compared with normative values: the median for percent consonants correct was 79.7 and many children still had persisting cleft-related and developmental consonant errors. At the age of 7-8, almost half of the children were rated as having a competent velopharyngeal function and only three as having an incompetent velopharyngeal function.

CONCLUSION

Persisting speech difficulties at school age in IA children with UCLP were found in the present study, which is one of the very few longitudinal studies. Our results highlight the need for detailed follow-up of speech production in clinical settings. Speech disorders may have a severe impact on a child's intelligibility and participation with peers, and there is a need for more studies investigating the actual everyday effect of the difficulties found.

Reliability of data on percent consonants correct and its associated quality indicator in the Swedish cleft lip and palate registry

BACKGROUND

Data in national health care quality registries must be valid and reliable in order to enable open comparisons of results.

AIM

To assess the reliability of data on percent consonants correct (PCC) and its associated quality indicator ≥86% correct consonants in the Swedish quality registry for patients born with cleft lip and palate (CLP) registry.

METHODS

Six independent speech-language pathologists re-assessed the audio recordings of 96 five-year-olds with PCC data in the CLP registry. Target consonants of a single-word picture-naming test were phonetically transcribed, and PCC was calculated. The reliability of PCC data was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The reliability of the quality indicator ≥86% correct consonants was assessed with point-by-point percentage agreement and Cohen's kappa.

RESULTS

Intra- and inter-judge agreement for PCC was excellent with ICCs above 0.9, and so was the agreement of data from the CLP registry and the six judges' re-assessments. The percentage agreement between all judges and the CLP registry for the quality indicator ≥86% correct consonants was poor (67%). However, in 88% of the cases, results from four judges and the CLP registry agreed, corresponding to good agreement. The mean of all kappa values for six judges and the CLP registry corresponded to good agreement (0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate the PCC data in the CLP registry and the quality indicator ≥86% correct consonants to be reliable. When differences in outcome between treatment centres are detected, the raw data collected should always be re-examined before drawing definitive conclusions.

Healthcare use and direct medical costs in a cleft lip and palate population: an analysis of observed and protocolized care and costs

This study was performed to describe observed healthcare utilization and medical costs for patients with a cleft, compare these costs to the expected costs based on the treatment protocol, and explore the additional costs of implementing the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) Standard Set for Cleft Lip and Palate (CL/P). Forty patients with unilateral CL/P between 0 and 24 years of age, treated between 2012 and 2019 at Erasmus University Medical Center, were included. Healthcare services (consultations, diagnostic and surgical procedures) were counted and costs were calculated. Expected costs based on the treatment protocol were calculated by multiplying healthcare products by the product prices. Correspondingly, the additional expected costs after implementing the ICHOM Standard Set (protocol + ICHOM) were calculated. Observed costs were compared with protocol costs, and the additional expected protocol + ICHOM costs were described. The total mean costs were highest in the first year after birth (€5596), mainly due to surgeries. The mean observed total costs (€40,859) for the complete treatment (0-24 years) were 1.6 times the expected protocol costs (€25,198) due to optional, non-protocolized procedures. Hospital admissions including surgery were the main cost drivers, accounting for 42% of observed costs and 70% of expected protocol costs. Implementing the ICHOM Standard Set increased protocol-based costs by 7%.

White matter tract integrity in isolated oral clefts: relationship to cognition and reading skills

Children with isolated cleft of the lip and/or palate (iCL/P) have been shown to be at risk for impaired reading ability. Structural and functional neuroimaging studies have revealed subtle morphological and functional abnormalities correlated to cognition and reading ability. However, the integrity of white matter tracts and their potential relationship to reading performance in iCL/P is under-studied. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate white matter integrity related to cognition and reading skills among participants with and without iCL/P. Data from two cross-sectional, case/control studies with similar neuropsychological batteries and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) protocols were combined. The final sample included 210 participants (ages 7 to 27 years). Group and sex differences in fractional anisotropy (FA) values were examined between participants with (n = 105) and without (n = 105) iCL/P. Potential associations between FA values and age, cognition, and reading skills were also evaluated separately by group and sex. Sex effects were prominent in association and projection fibers, and effects of cleft status were found in association fibers and cerebellar regions, with isolated associations to reading skills. Findings provide preliminary understanding of microstructural associations to cognitive and reading performance among children, adolescents, and young adults with iCL/P.

Psychological and Peer Difficulties of Children with Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine if children born with cleft lip and/or palate are at increased risk of psychological and peer difficulties, and if so, which difficulties they develop.

METHODS

EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO were searched for English language studies published between January 2005 and January 2022 which investigated the psychological outcomes and peer function of children with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate. Outcomes included internalizing problems, such as anxiety and depression, externalizing problems, such as hyperactivity, conduct disorders, self-concept including self-image and self-esteem, peer problems, resilience, coping, and overall psychological function. A risk of bias assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random effects models were used in the meta-analysis to compare the outcomes for children born with a cleft and those without.

RESULTS

In total 41 studies met inclusion criteria, with 9 included in the meta-analysis. Children born with a cleft appear to have similar psychological outcomes compared to normative controls when using the strengths and difficulties questionnaire. There are some minor differences between self-report and parent report, with parents generally reporting that their child with a cleft has increased emotional, conduct, and hyperactivity problems. The small differences between the study cohort and control cohorts are unlikely to imply any differences on a clinical level.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall psychological outcomes appear to be similar between children born with a cleft and the nonaffected population, however, some symptoms such as anxiety and depression appear higher in children with cleft lip and/or palate.

Assessing the quality and value of metabolic chart data for capturing core outcomes for pediatric medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency

BACKGROUND

Generating rigorous evidence to inform care for rare diseases requires reliable, sustainable, and longitudinal measurement of priority outcomes. Having developed a core outcome set for pediatric medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency, we aimed to assess the feasibility of prospective measurement of these core outcomes during routine metabolic clinic visits.

METHODS

We used existing cohort data abstracted from charts of 124 children diagnosed with MCAD deficiency who participated in a Canadian study which collected data from birth to a maximum of 11 years of age to investigate the frequency of clinic visits and quality of metabolic chart data for selected outcomes. We recorded all opportunities to collect outcomes from the medical chart as a function of visit rate to the metabolic clinic, by treatment centre and by child age. We applied a data quality framework to evaluate data based on completeness, conformance, and plausibility for four core MCAD outcomes: emergency department use, fasting time, metabolic decompensation, and death.

RESULTS

The frequency of metabolic clinic visits decreased with increasing age, from a rate of 2.8 visits per child per year (95% confidence interval, 2.3-3.3) among infants 2 to 6 months, to 1.0 visit per child per year (95% confidence interval, 0.9-1.2) among those ≥ 5 years of age. Rates of emergency department visits followed anticipated trends by child age. Supplemental findings suggested that some emergency visits occur outside of the metabolic care treatment centre but are not captured. Recommended fasting times were updated relatively infrequently in patients' metabolic charts. Episodes of metabolic decompensation were identifiable but required an operational definition based on acute manifestations most commonly recorded in the metabolic chart. Deaths occurred rarely in these patients and quality of mortality data was not evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

Opportunities to record core outcomes at the metabolic clinic occur at least annually for children with MCAD deficiency. Methods to comprehensively capture emergency care received at outside institutions are needed. To reduce substantial heterogeneous recording of core outcome across treatment centres, improved documentation standards are required for recording of recommended fasting times and a consensus definition for metabolic decompensations needs to be developed and implemented.

Screening for Academic Risk Among Students With Cleft Lip and/or Palate: Patterns of Risk and Qualities of Effective Tools

This study evaluated the effectiveness of academic screening measures in relation to parent-reported diagnoses.

Multicenter, retrospective cohort study including structured interviews, questionnaires, and chart reviews.

Six North American cleft centers.

Children (n = 391) with cleft lip and/or palate, ages 8 to 10 years of age (192 male) and their guardians were recruited during regular clinic visits.

Parent and child ratings on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) School Scale, child report on CleftQ School Scale, parent report on the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-Third Edition Functional Academics (ABAS-FA) Scale and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) School Competency Scale, parent interview, and medical chart review.

Risk for concerns ranged from 12% to 41%, with higher risk reflected on the CBCL-SC compared to other measures. Males with cleft palate were consistently at the highest risk. Only 9% of the sample had a parent-reported diagnosis of a learning or language disability. Ratings from the ABAS-FA and CBCL-SC had the highest utility in identifying those with language and/or learning concerns.

As cleft teams work to develop standardized batteries for screening and monitoring of patients, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of measures in identifying those at highest risk. When screening for language and learning disorders, questions related to potential academic struggles, such as increased school effort or increased school distress, are most useful. Referrals for follow-up evaluation are recommended for those identified at high risk.

Exploration of the Utility of the Generic ICHOM Standard Set Measures in Evaluating the Speech of Patients with Cleft Lip/Palate

Background

The International Consortium of Health Outcome Measurements (ICHOM) standard set for cleft care appraisal recommends clinicians assess articulation with percentage consonants correct (PCC) and velopharyngeal function with velopharyngeal competency rating (VPC-R). This study explores the utility and limitations of these generic measures in detecting cleft speech sound disorders by comparing them with two cleft-specific speech-rating systems, cleft audit protocol of speech-augmented Americleft modification (CAPS-A-AM) and Pittsburgh weighted speech scale (PWSS).

Methods

Consecutive children with repaired, nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate, aged 5 years or older (n = 27) underwent prospective speech evaluations conducted at a single academic institution. These evaluations were conducted, recorded, and evaluated by blinded speech-language pathologists experienced with all tools.

Results

When comparing measures of articulation, PCC scores correlated better with scores for relevant subcomponents of CAPS-A-AM than PWSS. When comparing measures of velopharyngeal function, VPC-R scores correlated well with relevant components of both scales. Using a "screening test versus diagnostic test" analogy, VPC-R ratings were 87.5% sensitive and 73.7% specific for detecting velopharyngeal dysfunction according to subcomponents of CAPS-A-AM, and 70.6% sensitive and 100% specific according to subcomponents of PWSS.

Conclusions

This exploratory study demonstrates that PCC and VPC-R perform moderately well in detecting articulatory and velopharyngeal dysfunction in patients with cleft lip/palate; however, these tools cannot describe nuances of cleft speech sound disorder. Thus, although PCC and VPC-R adequately track basic minimum outcomes, we encourage teams to consider extending the standard set by adopting a cleft-specific measurement system for further evaluation of the tools.

Most Efficient and Meaningful Patient-Reported Appearance Assessment in Different Cleft Types and Age Groups with CLEFT-Q

BACKGROUND

The CLEFT-Q, a questionnaire developed and validated specifically for cleft patients, contains seven appearance scales. The International Consortium of Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) has incorporated only some CLEFT-Q appearance scales in the Standard Set to minimize burden. This study evaluates which appearance scales provide the most meaningful information in the different cleft types at specific ages, for the most efficient cleft appearance outcome assessment.

METHODS

Within this international multicenter study, outcomes of the seven appearance scales were collected, either as part of the ICHOM Standard Set, or as part of the field test study performed to validate the CLEFT-Q. Analyses were performed in separate age groups and cleft types, and involved univariate regression analyses, trend analyses, t tests, correlations, and floor and ceiling effects.

RESULTS

A total of 3116 patients were included. Scores for most appearance scales showed a downward trend by age group, with the exception of the Teeth and Jaw scales. In all cleft types, several scales correlated strongly with each other. No floor effects were observed, but ceiling effects were found in several scales in different age groups, most often in the CLEFT-Q Jaw scale.

CONCLUSIONS

A proposition for the most meaningful and efficient appearance outcome assessment in cleft patients is made. It was composed so that recommendations are of value for different cleft protocols and initiatives. Suggestions for the use of scales in the ICHOM Standard Set at different ages are given, and also from a clinical perspective. Use of the CLEFT-Q Scar, Lips, and Nose scales will provide additional relevant information.

What is the optimal assessment of speech? A multicentre, international evaluation of speech assessment in 2500 patients with a cleft

OBJECTIVES

Speech problems in patients with a cleft palate are often complex and multifactorial. Finding the optimal way of monitoring these problems is challenging. The International Consortium of Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) has developed a set of standardised outcome measures at specific ages for patients with a cleft lip and/or palate, including measures of speech assessment. This study evaluates the type and timing of speech outcome measures currently included in this ICHOM Standard Set. Additionally, speech assessments in other cleft protocols and initiatives are discussed.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

An international, multicentre study was set up including centres from the USA and the Netherlands. Outcomes of clinical measures and Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) were collected retrospectively according to the ICHOM set. PROM data from a field test of the CLEFT-Q, a questionnaire developed and validated for patients with a cleft, were collected, including participants from countries with all sorts of income statuses, to examine the value of additional moments of measurement that are used in other cleft initiatives.Data from 2500 patients were included. Measured outcomes contained univariate regression analyses, trend analyses, t-tests, correlations and floor and ceiling effects.

RESULTS

PROMs correlated low to moderate with clinical outcome measures. Clinical outcome measures correlated low to moderate with each other too. In contrast, two CLEFT-Q Scales correlated strongly with each other. All PROMs and the Percent Consonants Correct (PCC) showed an effect of age. In patients with an isolated cleft palate, a ceiling effect was found in the Intelligibility in Context Scale.

CONCLUSION

Recommendations for an optimal speech outcome assessment in cleft patients are made. Measurement moments of different cleft protocols and initiatives are considered in this proposition. Concerning the type of measures, adjustment of the current PCC score outcome seems appropriate. For centres with adequate resources and specific interest in research, translation and validation of an upcoming tool, the Cleft Audit Protocol for Speech Augmented, is recommended.

Speech in 7- and 10-year-olds born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate: a continued prospective Swedish intercentre study

The aim of this study was to report longitudinal speech results in consecutively selected children from each of the six cleft centres in Sweden and to compare the results between centres. The children were born with a non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate, and results from the same cohort at 5 years of age have previously been reported. Background data on medical care in terms of surgery, speech therapy, and hearing between 5 and 10 years of age were collected. Speech recordings of 56 children at 7 years and 54 at 10 years of age were blindly and independently assessed by four speech-language pathologists experienced in cleft palate speech. This resulted in measures of percent consonant correct (PCC) and perceived velopharyngeal competence rated on a three-tier scale. No statistically significant differences were found between centres. PCC scores at 7 years of age ranged from 44-100% (median 97.5) and at 10 years of age from 86-100% (median 100). Competent or marginally incompetent velopharyngeal function was found in 95% of the 7-year-olds and 98% of the 10-year-olds. Speech results were slightly better than previous reports of speech in children born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Reliability of the novel cleft lip and palate smile esthetic index (CLP-SEI)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The aim of this research was to determine the reliability of a novel index for the assessment of smile esthetics in patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL ± P) at the end of their multidisciplinary treatment, for use in clinical and academic settings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five orthodontists, five periodontologists, five general practitioners, five dental students, and five laypeople rated the smiles of 10 patients with CL ± P twice at a 2 weeks interval. The rating scale consisted of four main categories: 1. nasolabial esthetics, 2. gingival esthetics, 3. dental esthetics, and 4. overall esthetics. A total of 15 parameters were rated. Intra- and inter-rater agreements were calculated using SPSS.

RESULTS

The inter-rater agreement varied between good and excellent whereby the orthodontists, periodontists, general practitioners, dental students, and laypeople obtained agreement scores of 0.86, 0.92, 0.84, 0.90, and 0.89, respectively. The intra-rater agreement was good with agreement scores of 0.78, 0.84, 0.84, 0.80, and 0.79, respectively.

LIMITATIONS

Smile esthetics were rated on static pictures, not in real life or by video recordings in a young adult population.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS

The cleft lip and palate smile esthetic index is a reliable tool for the assessment of smile esthetics in patients with CL ± P.

Core outcomes for orofacial clefts: reconciling traditional and ICHOM minimum datasets

OBJECTIVE/DESIGN/SETTING

This retrospective study sought voluntary participation from leading cleft centres from Europe and Brazil regarding core outcome measures. The results of this study would inform the debate on core outcome consensus pertaining to the European Reference Network for rare diseases (ERN CRANIO) and achieve a core outcome set for cleft care providers worldwide.

INTERVENTION/METHOD

Five orofacial cleft (OFC) disciplines were identified, within which all of the International Consortium of Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) outcomes fall. One questionnaire was designed for each discipline and comprised 1. the relevant ICHOM's outcomes within that discipline, and 2. a series of questions targeted to clinicians. What core outcomes are currently measured and when, did these align with the ICHOM minimum, if not how did they differ, and would they recommend modified or additional outcomes?.

RESULTS

For some disciplines participants agreed with the ICHOM minimums but urged for earlier and more frequent intervention. Some clinicians felt that some of the ICHOM standards were compatible but that different ages were preferred and for others the ICHOM standards were acceptable but developmental stages should be preferred to absolute time points.

CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS

Core outcomes for OFC were supported in principle but there are differences between the ICHOM recommendations and the 2002 WHO global consensus. The latter are established in many centres with historical archives of OFC outcome data, and it was concluded that with some modifications ICHOM could be moulded into useful core outcomes data for inter-centre comparisons worldwide.

Treatment Outcomes of Interdisciplinary Care on Speech and Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes in Adults With Cleft Palate

PURPOSE

Individuals born with a cleft palate with or without a cleft lip (CP ± L) often experience functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial consequences well into adulthood. This study aimed to investigate outcomes of speech and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with a CP ± L who received interdisciplinary cleft care at the Ghent University Hospital using valid, reliable, and condition-specific instruments.

METHOD

Thirteen Belgian Dutch-speaking participants with a CP ± L with a mean age of 25.4 years (SD = 5.1, range: 20-33 years) and an age- and gender-matched control group of 13 participants without a CP ± L with a mean age of 25.2 years (SD = 4.8, range: 20-32 years) were included in this study. Speech characteristics were evaluated perceptually and instrumentally. HRQoL was assessed through standardized patient-reported outcome measures. Outcomes were compared with those of the control group and to normative data where available.

RESULTS

Participants with a CP ± L in this sample demonstrated significantly lower speech acceptability (p < .001) and higher rates of hypernasality (p = .015) and nasal turbulence (p = .005) than the control group. They showed significantly higher satisfaction with appearance of the cleft scar compared with norms of adults with a CP ± L (p = .047). No other differences in speech characteristics, sociodemographics, or HRQoL were found between participants with and without a CP ± L.

CONCLUSIONS

The reduced speech acceptability and the presence of resonance and nasal airflow disorders may indicate the need for standardized long-term outcome measurement and interdisciplinary follow-up for speech characteristics and velopharyngeal insufficiency in young and middle adulthood in future clinical practice. Additional research is necessary to further substantiate these findings and to determine predictors for these continuing complications in adults with a CP ± L.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24243901.

Advances in Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Cleft lip with or without cleft palate is one of the most common congenital malformations, with an average prevalence of 1 in 1000 live births. Cleft lip and/or palate is incredibly phenotypically diverse, with constant advancements and refinements in how we care for patients. This article presents an in-depth review of the latest advances and current evidence in cleft lip and palate surgery. This includes presurgical infant orthopedics, perioperative practice patterns including use of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, patient-reported outcome measures, and the latest adjuncts in cheiloplasty and palatoplasty.

Using "Real-World Data" to Study Cleft Lip/Palate Care: An Exploration of Speech Outcomes from a Multi-Center US Learning Health Network

OBJECTIVE

To assess the ability of a cleft-specific multi-site learning health network registry to describe variations in cleft outcomes by cleft phenotypes, ages, and treatment centers. Observed variations were assessed for coherence with prior study findings.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis of prospectively collected data from 2019-2022.

SETTING

Six cleft treatment centers collected data systematically during routine clinic appointments according to a standardized protocol.

PARTICIPANTS

714 English-speaking children and adolescents with non-syndromic cleft lip/palate.

INTERVENTION

Routine multidisciplinary care and systematic outcomes measurement by cleft teams.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Speech outcomes included articulatory accuracy measured by Percent Consonants Correct (PCC), velopharyngeal function measured by Velopharyngeal Competence (VPC) Rating Scale (VPC-R), intelligibility measured by caregiver-reported Intelligibility in Context Scale (ICS), and two CLEFT-Q™ surveys, in which patients rate their own speech function and level of speech distress.

RESULTS

12year-olds exhibited high median PCC scores (91-100%), high frequency of velopharyngeal competency (62.50-100%), and high median Speech Function (80-91) relative to younger peers parsed by phenotype. Patients with bilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate reported low PCC scores (51-91%) relative to peers at some ages and low frequency of velopharyngeal competency (26.67%) at 5 years. ICS scores ranged from 3.93-5.0 for all ages and phenotypes. Speech Function and Speech Distress were similar across phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

This exploration of speech outcomes demonstrates the current ability of the cleft-specific registry to support cleft research efforts as a source of "real-world" data. Further work is focused on developing robust methodology for hypothesis-driven research and causal inference.

Guidance to develop a multidisciplinary, international, pediatric registry: a systematic review

AIM

The European Reference Network for craniofacial anomalies and ear, nose and throat disorders (ERN-CRANIO) aims to improve craniofacial care on a European scale. Within ERN-CRANIO, the cleft lip and palate (CL/P) work stream seeks to ameliorate health outcomes for patients with CL/P. This work stream acknowledged the need for a European wide registry for comparable outcome measures and therapy endpoints to achieve this goal. This review aimed to provide a scientific basis for the conceptualization of this registry by studying previous registry initiatives.

METHODS

This review performed thematic analysis on twenty-four articles through narrative synthesis. An iterative process was used to identify key-themes required for prolonged registry success.

RESULTS

Analysis of the literature resulted in twenty-one distinct headings including quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data including registry characteristics were visualized in a table. The analysis of qualitative data resulted in the identification of fourteen key-themes, which have been summarized and visualized in a guidance.

CONCLUSION

This review has successfully identified key-themes required for the development of an international, multidisciplinary, pediatric registry for pan-European cleft care. The guidance provided by this review applies to the goals of ERN-CRANIO, but can be used by any initiative developing a registry.

Timing of Primary Surgery for Cleft Palate

BACKGROUND

Among infants with isolated cleft palate, whether primary surgery at 6 months of age is more beneficial than surgery at 12 months of age with respect to speech outcomes, hearing outcomes, dentofacial development, and safety is unknown.

METHODS

We randomly assigned infants with nonsyndromic isolated cleft palate, in a 1:1 ratio, to undergo standardized primary surgery at 6 months of age (6-month group) or at 12 months of age (12-month group) for closure of the cleft. Standardized assessments of quality-checked video and audio recordings at 1, 3, and 5 years of age were performed independently by speech and language therapists who were unaware of the trial-group assignments. The primary outcome was velopharyngeal insufficiency at 5 years of age, defined as a velopharyngeal composite summary score of at least 4 (scores range from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating greater severity). Secondary outcomes included speech development, postoperative complications, hearing sensitivity, dentofacial development, and growth.

RESULTS

We randomly assigned 558 infants at 23 centers across Europe and South America to undergo surgery at 6 months of age (281 infants) or at 12 months of age (277 infants). Speech recordings from 235 infants (83.6%) in the 6-month group and 226 (81.6%) in the 12-month group were analyzable. Insufficient velopharyngeal function at 5 years of age was observed in 21 of 235 infants (8.9%) in the 6-month group as compared with 34 of 226 (15.0%) in the 12-month group (risk ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.36 to 0.99; P = 0.04). Postoperative complications were infrequent and similar in the 6-month and 12-month groups. Four serious adverse events were reported (three in the 6-month group and one in the 12-month group) and had resolved at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Medically fit infants who underwent primary surgery for isolated cleft palate in adequately resourced settings at 6 months of age were less likely to have velopharyngeal insufficiency at the age of 5 years than those who had surgery at 12 months of age. (Funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research; TOPS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00993551.).

How differences in anatomy and physiology and other aetiology affect the way we label and describe speech in individuals with cleft lip and palate

BACKGROUND

Speech in individuals with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is a complex myriad of presenting symptoms. It is uniquely associated with the structural difference of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), together with a wide and heterogeneous range of other aetiologies which often co-occur. The nature of the speech sound disorder (SSD) including VPI may also change over the course of an individual's care pathway. Differences in terminology and approaches to analysis are currently used, resulting in confusion internationally. Additionally, current diagnostic labels and classification systems in SSD do not capture the complexity and full nature of speech characteristics in CLP.

AIMS

This paper aims to explore the different aetiologies of cleft palate/VPI speech and to relate aetiology with speech characteristic(s). In so doing, it attempts to unravel the different terminology used in the field, describing commonalities and differences, and identifying overlaps with the speech summary patterns used in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. The paper also aims to explore the applicability of current diagnostic labels and classification systems in the non-cleft SSD literature and illustrate certain implications for speech intervention in CLP.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

The different aetiologies were identified from the literature and mapped onto cleft palate/VPI speech characteristics. Different terminology and approaches to analysis are defined and overlaps described. The applicability of current classification systems in SSD is discussed including additional diagnostic labels proposed in the field.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Aetiologies of cleft palate/VPI speech identified include developmental (cognitive-linguistic), middle ear disease and fluctuating hearing loss, altered oral structure, abnormal facial growth, VPI-structural (abnormal palate muscle) and VPI-iatrogenic (maxillary advancement surgery). There are four main terminologies used to describe cleft palate/VPI speech: active/passive and compensatory/obligatory, which overlap with the four categories used in the UK speech summary patterns: anterior oral cleft speech characteristics (CSCs), posterior oral CSCs, non-oral CSCs and passive CSCs, although not directly comparable. Current classification systems in non-cleft SSD do not sufficiently capture the full nature and complexity of cleft palate/VPI speech.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our attempt at identifying the heterogeneous range of aetiologies provides clinicians with a better understanding of cleft palate/VPI speech to inform the management pathway and the nature and type of speech intervention required. We hope that the unravelling of the different terminology in relation to the UK speech summary patterns, and those used elsewhere, reduces confusion and provides more clarity for clinicians in the field. Diagnostic labels and classification require international agreement.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject Speech associated with cleft palate/velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is a complex myriad of speech characteristics with a wide and heterogeneous range of aetiologies. Different terminology and speech summary patterns are used to describe the speech characteristics. The traditional classification of cleft palate/VPI speech is Articulation Disorder, although evidence is building for Phonological Disorder and contrastive approaches in cleft speech intervention. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This paper explores the range of aetiologies of cleft palate/VPI speech (e.g., altered oral structure, abnormal facial growth, abnormal palate muscle and iatrogenic aetiologies) and attempts to relate aetiology with speech characteristic(s). An attempt is made at unravelling the different terminology used in relation to a well-known and validated approach to analysis, used in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Complexities of current diagnostic labels and classifications in Speech Sound Disorder to describe cleft palate/VPI speech are discussed. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? There needs to be a common language for describing and summarising cleft palate/VPI speech. Speech summary patterns based on narrow phonetic transcription and correct identification of aetiology are essential for the accurate classification of the speech disorder and identification of speech intervention approaches. There is an urgent need for research to identify the most appropriate type of contrastive (phonological) approach in cleft lip and/or palate.

Global perspectives in orofacial cleft management and research

Orofacial clefts (OFCs) refer to clefts of the lip and palate, a heterogeneous group of relatively common congenital conditions that can cause mortality and significant disability if untreated, and residual morbidity even when treated with multidisciplinary care. Contemporary challenges in the field include: lack of awareness of OFCs in remote, rural and impoverished populations; uncertainties due to lack of surveillance and data gathering infrastructure; inequitable access to care in some parts of the world; and lack of political will combined with lack of capacity to prioritise research.OFCs present clinically as either syndromic or non-syndromic, with the latter either being isolated or in conjunction with other malformations; however, many registries still do not differentiate between these fundamentally different entities and lump a spectrum of cleft types and sub-phenotypes together. This has implications for treatment, research and ultimately, quality improvement.This paper deals with the challenges in contemporary management in terms of care and the prospects and possibilities for primary prevention of non-syndromic clefts. In terms of management and optimal care, there are also challenges in the provision of multi-disciplinary treatment and management of the consequences of being born with OFCs, such as dental caries, malocclusion and psychosocial adjustment.

Key4OI Recommendations for Lung Function Guidance in Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Based on an Internationally Performed Comprehensive International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Procedure

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary involvement in Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) can be severe but may be overlooked in milder cases. The Care4BrittleBones Foundation initiated this project to develop a set of global outcome measures focusing on respiratory-related issues in patients with OI. The objective was to reach an international consensus for a standardized set of outcomes and associated measuring instruments for the pulmonary care of individuals with OI. Based on the initial tests and questionnaires, we suggest parameters for when pulmonologists should seek guidance from the growing literature on OI pulmonary care and/or recognized experts in the field.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The project team consisted of a multidisciplinary mix of 12 people from six countries, including an OI patient representative, and facilitated by the Care4BrittleBones Foundation director. The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) process was followed, which includes the Delphi method, used to collect the opinions of the expert team. Patient input was present in each meeting due to the inclusion of a patient representative. In addition, online focus groups were held. They consisted of adults with OI from different countries, and they determined which questions matter the most to the OI community worldwide.

RESULTS

After three Delphi rounds, the expert team reached a consensus on the final set of measuring instruments, which included pulmonary function testing and patient self-reporting of symptoms related to breathing and sleep. Two questionnaires were decided upon: St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (shortened version) and four questions regarding sleep. Patients should be screened for a history of pneumonia. Advanced testing for select patients by a pulmonologist would include further pulmonary function tests and a chest radiograph.

CONCLUSIONS

A standardized set of outcome measures related to pulmonary care of individuals with OI was determined based on what is important to both experts and patients. This included patient-reported outcome measures and basic pulmonary function testing. Using these outcome measures, it can be determined which patients are at high risk for pulmonary complications.

A Prospective Study to Examine Responsiveness and Minimally Important Differences (MIDs) for the CLEFT-Q Scales Following Three Cleft-Specific Operations

The aim of this study was to examine internal responsiveness and estimate minimally important differences (MIDs) for CLEFT-Q scales.

In this prospective cohort study, participants completed the CLEFT-Q appearance and health-related quality of life (HRQL) scales before and six months after cleft-related surgery.

Seven cleft centres in Canada, USA and UK participated.

Patients were ages 8-29 years with CL/P.

Patients underwent rhinoplasty, orthognathic or cleft lip scar revision surgery.

Internal responsiveness was examined using Cohen's d effect sizes (ESs) based on the following interpretation: 0.20-0.49 small, 0.50-0.79 moderate and ≥ 0.80 large. MIDs were estimated using two distribution-based approaches.

Participants had a rhinoplasty (n = 31), orthognathic (n = 21) or cleft lip scar revision (n = 18) surgery. Most participants were males (56%) and aged 8-11 years (41%). Following rhinoplasty, ESs were larger for the nose (0.92, p = 0.001) and nostrils (0.94, p < 0.001) scales than for the face scale (0.51, p = 0.003). MIDs ranged between 6.2-10.4. For orthognathic surgery, larger ES was observed for the jaws scale (1.80, p < 0.001) compared with the teeth (1.16, p < 0.001), face (1.15, p = 0.001) and lips (0.94, p < 0.001) scales. MIDs ranged between 5.9-14.4. In the cleft lip scar revision sample, the largest ES was observed for the nose scale (0.76, p = 0.03), followed by lips (0.58, p = 0.009) and cleft lip scar (0.50, p = 0.043) scales. MIDs ranged between 6.4-12.3.

CLEFT-Q detected change in key outcomes for three cleft-specific surgeries, providing evidence of its responsiveness. Estimated MIDs will aid in interpreting this PROM.

Psychometric Validation of the CLEFT-Q Patient Reported Outcome Measure: A Prospective Study to Examine Cross-Sectional Construct Validity

OBJECTIVE

CLEFT-Q is a condition-specific patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). The aim of this study was to examine the cross-sectional construct validity of the CLEFT-Q scales.

DESIGN

Construct validity was assessed through a prospective study that tested hypotheses regarding correlations of scores with other PROMs that measure related constructs.

SETTING

Seven cleft centres in Canada, the USA, and UK were involved.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Patients were aged eight to 29 years with CL/P.

INTERVENTIONS

Before undergoing rhinoplasty, orthognathic, cleft lip scar revision, and alveolar bone graft, participants were asked to complete the following PROMs: CLEFT-Q (9 scales), Child Oral Health Impact Profile (socio-emotional subscale) and Cleft Hearing Appearance and Speech Questionnaire (features 1 subscale).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The correlation coefficients examining the relationship between the scales were the main outcome measures. Correlations (Spearman) were calculated and interpreted as follows: <0.3 weak, 0.30 to 0.50 moderate, ≥0.50 strong.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 177) were mostly male (61%) and aged between eight and 11 years (42%). Overall, 38 of 52 (73%) hypotheses tested were supported. More specifically, 20 of 26 (77%) hypotheses about correlations between the appearance scales were supported, two of three (67%) hypotheses about correlations between the health-related quality of life scales were supported, and 16 of 23 (70%) hypotheses about correlations between the appearance and health-related quality of life scales were supported.

CONCLUSIONS

Cross-sectional construct validity of the CLEFT-Q scales adds further evidence of the psychometric properties of this instrument.

Optimizing the Psychosocial Function Measures in the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Standard Set for Cleft

BACKGROUND

To ensure the feasibility of implementing PROMs in clinical practice, they must be continually appraised for undue burden placed on patients and clinicians and their usefulness for decision-making. This study assesses correlations between the CLEFT-Q psychosocial scales in the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Standard Set for cleft and explores their associations with patient characteristics and psychosocial care referral.

METHODS

Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated for CLEFT-Q psychological function, social function, school function, face, speech function, and speech-related distress scales. Logistic regressions were used to assess the association of cleft phenotype, syndrome, sex, and adoption status on scale scores and clinical referral to psychosocial care for further evaluation and management.

RESULTS

Data were obtained from 3067 patients with cleft lip and/or palate at three centers. Strong correlations were observed between social function and psychological function (r > 0.69) and school function (r > 0.78) scales. Correlation between school function and psychological function scales was lower (r = 0.59 to 0.68). Genetic syndrome (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.04 to 5.41), psychological function (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.88 to 0.97), school function (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.90 to 0.98), and face (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94 to 0.98) were significant predictors for referral to psychosocial care.

CONCLUSIONS

Because social function as measured by the CLEFT-Q showed strong correlations with both school and psychological function, its additional value for measuring psychosocial function within the Standard Set is limited, and it is reasonable to consider removing this scale from the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Standard Set for cleft.

A Longitudinal Study of Improvement in Nasal Airway Obstruction after Secondary Cleft Rhinoplasty

BACKGROUND

Nasal airway obstruction is an increasingly recognized phenomenon in patients with cleft lip and/or palate and has the potential to significantly affect quality of life in this patient population. To date, the effect of secondary cleft rhinoplasty on cleft-related nasal airway obstruction has not been studied.

METHODS

Patients undergoing secondary cleft rhinoplasty at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from 2015 to 2021 were identified. Preoperative and postoperative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scores were recorded. Alterations in scores were evaluated for variation depending on patient characteristics, operative maneuvers, and postoperative nasal stenting.

RESULTS

Nasal airway obstruction was present in mild to moderate severity in patients before secondary cleft rhinoplasty. Postoperatively, obstruction improved or resolved in the domains of nasal blockage/obstruction, trouble breathing through the nose, and ability to get enough air through the nose during exertion (P < 0.05). Overall composite Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scores improved (P < 0.05). Lateral crural strut grafting was associated with improvement in nasal blockage, whereas alar revision and tip sutures were associated with worsening in specific nasal symptoms. Patients who underwent nasal stenting were found to report less trouble breathing after surgery than patients who did not (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Nasal airway obstruction is present in mild to moderate severity in patients with cleft lip and/or palate, and the subjective severity of obstruction is decreased by secondary cleft rhinoplasty. Specific operative maneuvers are associated with alterations in nasal airway obstructive symptoms, and nasal stenting is associated with an improvement in trouble breathing after secondary cleft rhinoplasty.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

HOW PRO'S CAN CONTRIBUTE TO WHAT MATTERS MOST TO PATIENTS WITH OROFACIAL CLEFTS

An orofacial cleft (OC) is a congenital cleft that may affect the lip, alveolus, hard and soft palate. An OC impacts the individuals' appearance, psychosocial well-being and causes functional problems including feeding, dentition, growth of jaws, hearing and speech. The treatment of an orofacial cleft usually reaches from birth until 22 years of age or later. To understand and listen in an objective manner, OC specific Patient reported Outcome (PRO) and experience (PRE) measures are imperative. In patients with OCs many shared decision making moments exist from birth until adulthood. The aim is to understand what knowledge exists on PROs and PREs in patients with OCs, to formulate challenges to improve care to OC patients and how research on OCs needs to adapt. PROs and PREs need to be tailored to the individual with an OC. A framework with specific OC key domains including appearance, facial function and Health related Quality of Life exists. The current framework does not include the social network around the OC patients yet. However attention should be put on including family and community support into the framework. Also at an individual level more attention should be paid to enhancing experiences compared to impeding experiences. To create a better understanding traditional indicators and outcomes are combined with PROMs in a structured way. Challenges were identified that seek to improve our complete set of (PRO and PRE) instruments to provide better care to the individual with an OC and provide a voice so that good shared decision making is enabled. Thereby the individual with an OC is further empowered.

Interdisciplinary Team Care for Children with Facial Differences

Children who have cleft and craniofacial diagnoses require coordinated, interdisciplinary treatment planning from birth to young adulthood. Teams that adhere to the Parameters of Care and maintain annual review by the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association Commission on Approval of Teams are published at www.acpa-cpf.org to assist families in obtaining that care. The six critical components to this interdisciplinary care focus on the team's composition, the team's management and responsibilities, the inclusion of patient and family/caregiver communication, an ongoing commitment to cultural competence, the importance of psychosocial and social services provided for the child and family, and the dedication to outcomes assessment. Primary care physicians are in a unique position to help direct families to this online directory for the best possible outcomes. [Pediatr Ann. 2023;52(1):e18-e22.].

Balancing adaptability and standardisation: insights from 27 routinely implemented ICHOM standard sets

BACKGROUND

Healthcare systems around the world experience increasing pressure to control future growth of healthcare expenditures. Among other initiatives, quality and value-based benchmarking has become an important field to inform clinical evaluation and reimbursement questions. The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) has become one of the driving forces to translate scientific evidence into standardized assessments that are routinely applicable in day-to-day care settings. These aim to provide a benchmarking tool that allows the comparison and competition of health care delivery on the basis of value-based health care principles.

METHODS

This work focuses on the consolidation of the ICHOM methodology and presents insights from 27 routinely implemented Standard Sets. The analysis is based on a literature review of the ICHOM literature repository, a process document review and key informant interviews with ICHOM's outcomes research and development team.

RESULTS

Key findings are that the scope of ICHOM Standard Sets shifted from a more static focus on burden of disease and poorly standardized care pathways to a more dynamic approach that also takes into account questions about the setting of care, feasibility of implementing a benchmarking tool and compatibility of different Standard Sets. Although certain overlaps exist with other initiatives in the field of patient reported outcomes (PRO), their scopes differ significantly and they hence rather complement each other. ICHOM pursues a pragmatic approach to enable the benchmarking and the analysis of healthcare delivery following the principles of value-based healthcare.

CONCLUSION

The ICHOM Standard Sets complement other initiatives in the field of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and functional reporting by placing a particular focus on healthcare delivery, while other initiatives primarily focus on evaluation of academic endpoints. Although ICHOM promotes a pragmatic approach towards developing and devising its Standard Sets, the definition of standardized decision making processes emerged as one of the key challenges. Furthermore, the consolidation of core metrics across number of disease areas to enable the parallel implementation of different Standard Sets in the same care setting is an important goal that will enable the widespread implementation of patient-reported outcome measures (PROM).

Core Outcome Sets in Child Health: A Systematic Review

IMPORTANCE

Developing core outcome sets is essential to ensure that results of clinical trials are comparable and useful. A number of core outcome sets in pediatrics have been published, but a comprehensive in-depth understanding of core outcome sets in this field is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically identify core outcome sets in child health, collate the diseases to which core outcome sets have been applied, describe the methods used for development and stakeholder participation, and evaluate the methodological quality of existing core outcome sets.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched using relevant search terms, such as clinical trials, core outcome, and children, along with relevant websites, such as Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET). Four researchers worked in teams of 2, performed literature screening and data extraction, and evaluated the methodological quality of core outcome sets using the Core Outcome Set-Standards for Development (COS-STAD).

FINDINGS

A total of 77 pediatric core outcome sets were identified, mainly developed by organizations or researchers in Europe, North America, and Australia and mostly from the UK (22 [29%]) and the US (22 [29%]). A total of 77 conditions were addressed; the most frequent International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision category was diseases of the digestive system (14 [18%]). Most of the outcomes in pediatric core outcome sets were unordered (34 [44%]) or presented in custom classifications (29 [38%]). Core outcome sets used 1 or more of 8 development methods; the most frequent combination of methods was systematic review/literature review/scoping review, together with the Delphi approach and consensus for decision-making (10 [14%]). Among the 6 main types of stakeholders, clinical experts were the most frequently involved (74 [100%]), while industry representatives were rarely involved (4 [5%]). Only 6 core outcome sets (8%) met the 12 criteria of COS-STAD.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Future quality of pediatric core outcome sets should be improved based on the standards proposed by the COMET initiative, while core outcome sets methodology and reporting standards should be extended to pediatric populations to help improve the quality of core outcome sets in child health. In addition, the COMET outcome taxonomy should also add items applicable to children.

Identifying common health indicators from paediatric core outcome sets: a systematic review with narrative synthesis using the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability

BACKGROUND

Indicators of child health have the potential to inform societal conversations, decision-making and prioritisation. Paediatric core outcome sets are an increasingly common way of identifying a minimum set of outcomes for trials within clinical groups. Exploring commonality across existing sets may give insight into universally important and inclusive child health indicators.

METHODS

A search of the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trial register from 2008 to 2022 was carried out. Eligible articles were those reporting on core outcome sets focused on children and young people aged 0-18 years old. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) was used as a framework to categorise extracted outcomes. Information about the involvement of children, young people and their families in the development of sets was also extracted.

RESULTS

206 articles were identified, of which 36 were included. 441 unique outcomes were extracted, mapping to 22 outcome clusters present across multiple sets. Medical diagnostic outcomes were the biggest cluster, followed by pain, communication and social interaction, mobility, self-care and school. Children and young people's views were under-represented across core outcome sets, with only 36% of reviewed studies including them at any stage of development.

CONCLUSIONS

Existing paediatric core outcome sets show overlap in key outcomes, suggesting the potential for generic child health measurement frameworks. It is unclear whether existing sets best reflect health dimensions important to children and young people, and there is a need for better child and young person involvement in health indicator development to address this.

Optimizing Outcomes for Children With Phonological Impairment: A Systematic Search and Review of Outcome and Experience Measures Reported in Intervention Research

PURPOSE

Reporting of outcome and experience measures is critical to our understanding of the effect of intervention for speech sound disorders (SSD) in children. There is currently no agreed-upon set of measures for reporting intervention outcomes and experiences. In this article, we introduce the Speech Outcome Reporting Taxonomy (SORT), a tool designed to assist with the classification of outcome and experience measures. In a systematic search and review using the SORT, we explore the type and frequency of these measures reported in intervention research addressing phonological impairment in children. Given the integral relationship between intervention fidelity and intervention outcomes, reporting of fidelity is also examined.

METHOD

Five literature databases were searched to identify articles written or translated into English published between 1975 and 2020. Using the SORT, outcome and experience measures were extracted and categorized. The number of intervention studies reporting fidelity was determined.

RESULTS

A total of 220 articles met inclusion criteria. The most frequently reported outcome domain was broad generalization measures (n = 142, 64.5%), followed by specific measures of generalization of an intervention target (n = 133, 60.5%). Eleven (5.0%) articles reported measures of the impact of the phonological impairment on children's activity, participation, quality of life, or others. Twenty articles (9.1%) reported on parent, child, or clinician experience or child engagement. Fidelity data were reported for 13.4% of studies of interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

The measurement of intervention outcomes is challenging yet important. No single type of measure was reported across all articles. Through using tailored measures closely related to intervention targets in combination with a universal set of measures of intelligibility, the impact of phonological impairment on children's lives, and the experience of receiving and providing intervention, researchers and clinicians could work together to progress insights and innovations in science and practice for children with SSD.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.19497803.

One Size Doesn't Fit All: A Pilot Study Toward Performance-Specific Speech Intervention in Children With a Cleft (Lip and) Palate

PURPOSE

Speech-language pathologists usually apply a "one size fits all" approach to eliminate compensatory cleft speech characteristics (CSCs). It is necessary to investigate what intervention works best for a particular patient. This pilot study compared the effectiveness of two therapy approaches (a motor-phonetic approach and a linguistic-phonological approach) on different subtypes of compensatory CSCs in Dutch-speaking children with a cleft (lip and) palate (CP ± L).

METHOD

Fourteen children with a CP ± L (M _age = 7.71 years) were divided into two groups using block randomization stratified by age, gender, and type of compensatory CSC. Six children received intervention to eliminate anterior oral CSCs (n = 3 motor-phonetic intervention, n = 3 linguistic-phonological intervention). Eight children received intervention to eliminate non-oral CSCs (n = 4 motor-phonetic intervention, n = 4 linguistic-phonological intervention). Each child received 10 hr of speech intervention divided over 2 weeks. Perceptual and psychosocial outcome measures were used to determine intervention effects.

RESULTS

Children who received linguistic-phonological intervention to eliminate anterior oral CSCs had significantly higher correctly produced consonant scores and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores compared to children who received motor-phonetic intervention to eliminate anterior oral CSCs. In the group of children who received intervention to eliminate non-oral CSCs, no significant differences were found in the correctly produced consonant scores nor in the HRQoL scores between the two intervention approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Linguistic-phonological intervention seems to be more appropriate to eliminate anterior oral CSCs. The beneficial effects of linguistic-phonological intervention were less pronounced in children with non-oral CSCs. Perhaps, children with non-oral CSCs benefit more from a hybrid phonetic-phonological approach. This study is a step forward in the provision of performance-specific intervention in children with a CP ± L. Replication in larger samples is needed and will aid to tailor treatment plans to the needs of our patients.

On the Benefits of Speech-Language Therapy for Individuals Born With Cleft Palate: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data

PURPOSE

Cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) is a common birth defect, and after reconstructive surgery, about 50% of children at 5 years of age have speech deviations and are referred to speech-language therapy (SLT). The peer-reviewed evidence for the benefit of SLT has been uncertain. Our objective was to systematically review and meta-analytically summarize the benefit of SLT for individuals born with CLP.

METHOD

A systematic search was conducted (last search on February 19, 2021) on studies evaluating SLT with pre and post measures on speech production, language ability, intelligibility, and/or patient-reported outcomes. We sought individual participant data (IPD) and evaluated on an individual level if the outcome measure had improved to a clinically relevant degree during SLT and if the outcome measure was on a level with peers or not after SLT. Meta-analyses and meta-regressions were applied to synthesize IPD across studies.

RESULTS

Thirty-four eligible studies were found. Nineteen studies provided IPD (n = 343) for the main analysis on speech production. The synthesized information suggests that, during SLT, speech production improved to a clinically relevant degree for many individuals (95% CI [61%, 87%]) and that speech production was on a level with peers for some individuals after SLT (95% CI [10%, 34%]).

CONCLUSIONS

The main strength of this meta-analysis is that we evaluated on an individual level pre- and post-intervention data based on considerations of clinical relevance. This approach allowed us to conclude that many individuals benefit from SLT and that further work on evaluating SLT in this patient group is meaningful. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.17700992.

Speech diagnosis and intervention in children with a repaired cleft palate: A qualitative study of Flemish private community speech-language pathologists' practices

Purpose: This study investigated the practice patterns of private community speech-language pathologists (SLPs) when treating children with a repaired cleft of the palate with or without a cleft of the lip (CP ± L). Practices were explored in terms of diagnostics and treatment focus, treatment dosage and experienced difficulties when treating children with a CP ± L.Method: Eleven female private community SLPs, who lived in Flanders (i.e. the northern part of Belgium) and were aged between 23 and 62 years participated in this study. Data were collected from semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The qualitative software program NVivo 12 was used for data analysis. The interviews were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.Result: SLPs reported a lack of available information on speech-related cleft care. SLPs expressed the need to receive a referral letter from the hospital in order to make an adequate speech diagnosis. Most therapists reported that they performed an articulatory assessment combined with a language assessment. Most SLPs used a hybrid treatment model including a variety of intervention techniques. These techniques were not always in line with available scientific evidence. SLPs reported the desire to receive practical step-by-step guidelines on how to provide speech intervention to children with a CP ± L. In contrast, there was a strong consensus among the therapists that an individualised treatment plan is necessary.Conclusion: The results of this study have revealed gaps in the dissemination and implementation of scientific evidence relevant to speech services for children with a CP ± L (i.e. a research-practice gap) in Flanders. Research evidence needs to be adequately translated into clinical practice by providing concrete and practical guidelines.

Adapting Elements of Cleft Care Protocols in Low- and Middle-income Countries During and After COVID-19: A Process-driven Review With Recommendations

A consortium of global cleft professionals, predominantly from low- and middle-income countries, identified adaptations to cleft care protocols during and after COVID-19 as a priority learning area of need.

A multidisciplinary international working group met on a videoconferencing platform in a multi-staged process to make consensus recommendations for adaptations to cleft protocols within resource-constrained settings. Feedback was sought from a roundtable discussion forum and global organizations involved in comprehensive cleft care.

Foundational principles were agreed to enable recommendations to be globally relevant and two areas of focus within the specified topic were identified. First the safety aspects of cleft surgery protocols were scrutinized and COVID-19 adaptations, specifically in the pre- and perioperative periods, were highlighted. Second, surgical procedures and cleft care services were prioritized according to their relationship to functional outcomes and time-sensitivity. The surgical procedures assigned the highest priority were emergent interventions for breathing and nutritional requirements and primary palatoplasty. The cleft care services assigned the highest priority were new-born assessments, pediatric support for children with syndromes, management of acute dental or auditory infections and speech pathology intervention.

A collaborative, interdisciplinary and international working group delivered consensus recommendations to assist with the provision of cleft care in low- and middle-income countries. At a time of global cleft care delays due to COVID-19, a united approach amongst global cleft care providers will be advantageous to advocate for children born with cleft lip and palate in resource-constrained settings.

Parents' perceptions on speech therapy delivery models in children with a cleft palate: A mixed methods study

PURPOSE

This study investigated parents' perceptions on two different speech therapy delivery models in children with a CP ± L, namely an innovative high intensity speech intervention (i.e. HISI: 10 1-h sessions divided over 2 weeks) and a low intensity speech intervention (i.e. LISI: 10 1-h sessions divided over 10 weeks).

METHOD

Twelve parents of 12 children who received HISI (n = 6) or LISI (n = 6) were contacted with the request to participate to this study to review their opinion on the received therapy. Participation included the completion of a questionnaire containing items related to satisfaction, speech progress, intervention intensity and frequency, transfer, and need for further speech therapy. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were carried out. The interviews were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the two groups in satisfaction with the "general speech therapy, "duration of one speech therapy session", "total intervention duration" and "degree of improvement of speech intelligibility". Following HISI, parents perceived more improvement in terms of spontaneous speech and better resolution of the speech disorders. The interviews revealed 3 themes of importance to the parents: (1) treatment-related expectations, (2) treatment-related burden, and (3) patient-therapist relationship. Parents in the HISI group reported two concerns: (1) the lack of variation when receiving daily intervention, and (2) the emotional burden when the child is confronted with his/her speech disorder on a daily basis.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents were equally satisfied with the provided intervention. Parents in the HISI group perceived more speech progress following the intervention compared to parents in the LISI group. The intensive contact with the speech pathologist enhanced the patient-therapist relationship. To support a cultural shift away from low intensity therapy delivery models, it will be important to counsel and inform parents of the benefits of HISI and to counterbalance concerns.

Deeper Understanding of Appearance in Orofacial Clefts: A Structural Equation Model of the CLEFT-Q Appearance Scales

Background

The CLEFT-Q is a patient-reported outcome measure with seven scales measuring elements of facial appearance in cleft lip and/or palate. We built on the validated CLEFT-Q structural model to describe conceptual relationships between these scales, and tested our hypothesis through structural equation modeling (SEM). In our hypothesized model, the appearance of the nose, nostrils, teeth, jaw, lips, and cleft lip scar all contribute to overall facial appearance.

Methods

We included 640 participants from the international CLEFT-Q field test. Model fit was assessed using weighted least squares mean and variance adjusted regression. The model was then refined through modification indices. The fit of the hypothesized model was confirmed in an independent sample of 452 participants.

Results

The refined model demonstrated excellent fit to the data (comparative fit index 0.999, Tucker-Lewis index 0.999, root mean square error of approximation 0.036 and standardized root mean square residual 0.036). The confirmatory analysis also demonstrated excellent model fit.

Conclusion

Our structural model, based on a clinical understanding of appearance in orofacial clefting, aligns with CLEFT-Q field test data. This supports the instrument's use and the exploration of a wider range of applications, such as multidimensional computerized adaptive testing.

Considerations for Payment Bundling in Cleft Care

SUMMARY

Since the introduction of the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement initiative, progress has been made in piloting bundled payment models to improve care coordination and curtail health care expenditures. In light of improvements in patient outcomes and the concomitant reduction in health care spending for certain high-volume and high-cost procedures, such as total joint arthroplasty and breast reconstruction, the authors discuss theoretical considerations for bundling payments for the care of patients with orofacial clefts. The reasons for and against adopting such a payment model to consolidate cleft care, as well as the challenges to implementation, are discussed. The authors purport that bundled payments can centralize components of cleft care and offer financial incentives to reduce costs and improve the value of care provided, but that risk adjustment based on the longitudinal nature of care, disease severity, etiologic heterogeneity, variations in outcomes reporting, and varying definitions of the episode of care remain significant barriers to implementation.

Is High-Intensity Speech Intervention Better? A Comparison of High-Intensity Intervention Versus Low-Intensity Intervention in Children With a Cleft Palate

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of speech intervention provided with a low intensity with speech intervention provided with a high intensity on the speech and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Dutch-speaking children with a cleft palate with or without a cleft lip (CP ± L) between 4 and 12 years. Method A longitudinal, prospective, randomized controlled trial with a multiple baseline design was used. Twelve children with a CP ± L (M _age = 8.0 years, SD = 1.54) were divided into two groups using block randomization stratified by age and gender: One group received low-intensity speech intervention (LISI; n = 6) and one group received high-intensity speech intervention (HISI; n = 6). Children in the LISI group received intervention with a session duration of 1 hr, a dose frequency of 1 session per week, and a total intervention duration of 10 weeks. Children in the HISI group received intervention with a session duration of 1 hr, a dose frequency of 5 sessions per week, and a total intervention duration of 2 weeks. The cumulative intervention intensity was kept constant. Both groups received identical therapy programs provided by the same experienced speech therapist. Perceptual speech assessments were performed on baseline and posttreatment data points. Changes in HRQoL were assessed using the Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Effects on Life Outcomes (VELO) questionnaire. Both groups were compared over time using (generalized) linear mixed models. Results No significant Time × Group interactions were observed for the percentage of correctly produced consonants at the word and sentence levels, indicating no differences in evolution over time among the two groups. The variables speech understandability, speech acceptability, and the total VELO scores significantly improved following HISI, but not following LISI. Conclusions Children in the HISI group made equal and, for some variables, even superior progress in only 2 weeks of therapy compared to children in the LISI group who received 10 weeks of therapy. HISI is a promising strategy to improve speech outcomes and HRQoL in a shorter time period.

Common patient-reported outcomes across ICHOM Standard Sets: the potential contribution of PROMIS®

BACKGROUND

The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) develops condition-specific Standard Sets of outcomes to be measured in clinical practice for value-based healthcare evaluation. Standard Sets are developed by different working groups, which is inefficient and may lead to inconsistencies in selected PROs and PROMs. We aimed to identify common PROs across ICHOM Standard Sets and examined to what extend these PROs can be measured with a generic set of PROMs: the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®).

METHODS

We extracted all PROs and recommended PROMs from 39 ICHOM Standard Sets. Similar PROs were categorized into unique PRO concepts. We examined which of these PRO concepts can be measured with PROMIS.

RESULTS

A total of 307 PROs were identified in 39 ICHOM Standard Sets and 114 unique PROMs are recommended for measuring these PROs. The 307 PROs could be categorized into 22 unique PRO concepts. More than half (17/22) of these PRO concepts (covering about 75% of the PROs and 75% of the PROMs) can be measured with a PROMIS measure.

CONCLUSION

Considerable overlap was found in PROs across ICHOM Standard Sets, and large differences in terminology used and PROMs recommended, even for the same PROs. We recommend a more universal and standardized approach to the selection of PROs and PROMs. Such an approach, focusing on a set of core PROs for all patients, measured with a system like PROMIS, may provide more opportunities for patient-centered care and facilitate the uptake of Standard Sets in clinical practice.