Measuring outcomes in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery

Karen W Y Wong; Christopher R Forrest; Tim E E Goodacre; Anne F Klassen

doi:10.1016/j.cps.2012.11.005

Measuring outcomes in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery

Clin Plast Surg. 2013 Apr;40(2):305-12. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2012.11.005. Epub 2012 Dec 21.

Authors

Karen W Y Wong¹, Christopher R Forrest, Tim E E Goodacre, Anne F Klassen

Affiliation

¹ Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada. karenk.wong@utoronto.ca

PMID: 23506771
DOI: 10.1016/j.cps.2012.11.005

Abstract

This article discusses the measurement of outcomes in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery, using examples of craniosynostosis and cleft lip and/or palate (CLP). The challenges in measuring the standard outcomes of function, aesthetics, and health-related quality of life are discussed, along with the importance of developing evidence and studying quality improvement in this specialty. The need to define specific and comprehensive goals is discussed with a focus on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Examples from the development of the CLEFT-Q, a PRO instrument for patients with CLP, are provided to support the need to seek the patient perspective.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Age Factors
Child
Craniofacial Abnormalities / psychology*
Craniofacial Abnormalities / surgery*
Humans
Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
Patient Satisfaction*
Plastic Surgery Procedures*
Quality of Life*
Young Adult