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Measuring outcomes in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery
Karen W Y Wong1, Christopher R Forrest, Tim E E Goodacre
1Division 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
Measuring outcomes in pediatric plastic surgery, including craniosynostosis and cleft lip and/or palate (CLP), is challenging. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are crucial for defining comprehensive goals and improving surgical quality.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Plastic Surgery
- Craniofacial Surgery
- Outcomes Measurement
Background:
- Assessing outcomes in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery, specifically for conditions like craniosynostosis and cleft lip and/or palate (CLP), presents significant challenges.
- Standard outcome measures for function, aesthetics, and health-related quality of life require careful consideration and development.
- There is a recognized need for enhanced evidence generation and quality improvement initiatives within this surgical specialty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the complexities of measuring outcomes in pediatric plastic and craniofacial surgery.
- To highlight the importance of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in defining surgical goals.
- To emphasize the need for patient perspectives in surgical outcome assessment.
Main Methods:
- Review of outcome measurement challenges in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery.
- Discussion of the development and application of patient-reported outcome instruments.
- Case examples, including the CLEFT-Q for cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) patients.
Main Results:
- Standard outcome metrics for function, aesthetics, and quality of life are difficult to standardize and measure effectively.
- Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) offer a vital perspective for evaluating surgical success.
- The development of specific PRO instruments, like the CLEFT-Q, is essential for capturing the patient experience.
Conclusions:
- Accurate outcome measurement in pediatric plastic surgery requires a focus on patient-reported outcomes (PROs).
- Defining specific, comprehensive goals centered on patient perspectives is key to improving surgical care.
- Further development and utilization of PRO instruments are necessary for advancing evidence-based practice in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery.
