Cleft lip and palate in Scotland: a survey

The aim of the survey was to assess midwives' experiences and knowledge of cleft lip and/or palate (CL+/-P), confidence in supporting the families and giving feeding advice, and to identify areas for input from the cleft team. In order to do so, questionnaires were sent to maternity units across Scotland. The results were as follows: 206 questionnaires were returned (42 per cent response rate). Forty one per cent of the midwives had helped a baby with CL+/-P to be born; 23 per cent knew the incidence of CL+/-P; 33 per cent were aware of the stages in treating CL+/- P; 99 per cent were aware that feeding difficulties are a potential complication. When asked about offering support to the families, 70 per cent were not confident and 60 per cent were not confident at giving feeding advice. Regarding cleft team input, 65 per cent would like a training day, 45 per cent requested small group teaching, 50 per cent would like a website and 57 per cent would like printed literature. Our recommendations are to implement training, for midwives, along with supporting websites and literature.