We emphasize the benefits of a multidisciplinary team approach to the systemic management of patients with cleft lip and cleft palate (CL/CP) and their families. An ideal team offers support to families at each stage of their child's development and adapts to address new issues that are encountered throughout growth. We suggest the addition of a registered dietitian to the initial phase of the care team to ensure the child consumes adequate macronutrient intake, and to maximize growth and development. An ideal cleft palate care team focuses on a comprehensive, collaborative, and family-centered approach to the complex medical and surgical needs of infants with CL/CP as they grow to young adulthood. Although care teams may differ slightly depending on context and location, there are central tenets that make an ideal team. After reviewing CL/CP care team guidelines and recommendations from a variety of different countries, this article reflects what an ideal organization structure and care team composition could be comprised of.
Keywords: care team; cleft lip; cleft palate; multidisciplinary.
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