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Cleft Care Packages and the Impact on Postoperative Care Following a Primary Cleft Lip Repair
Michelle G Roy1, Lesley A Davies1, Diana E Guillen1
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital.
Insights
Providing caregivers with cleft lip repair resources enhances their comfort, preparedness, and compliance in postoperative care. These resources are highly recommended for future families to improve cleft care outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Caregiver Education
Background:
- Cleft lip repair requires specific postoperative surgical site care.
- Caregiver preparedness is crucial for successful wound healing and compliance.
- Lack of standardized resources can lead to caregiver anxiety and suboptimal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To equip caregivers with essential resources for cleft lip repair surgical site care.
- To evaluate the efficacy of provided resources on postoperative care.
- To assess caregiver comfort, preparedness, and compliance.
Main Methods:
- A resource package with instructions and supplies was given to caregivers of infants undergoing primary cleft lip repair.
- Baseline caregiver knowledge was assessed via questionnaire.
- Postoperative follow-up evaluated scar healing, nasal stent compliance, and ease of care.
Main Results:
- Caregivers receiving resources reported increased comfort, preparedness, and compliance.
- 84% strongly agreed the package aided preparedness for site care.
- 100% of respondents recommended the resources for future families.
Conclusions:
- Caregivers feel equipped to manage their child's repaired cleft lip with appropriate instructions and supplies.
- The study supports the recommendation of these resource packages for families.
- Empowering families proactively can lead to improved outcomes in cleft care.
Objective:
To provide caregivers with all the resources needed to care for a surgical site following a primary cleft lip repair and evaluate its efficacy on postoperative care.
Setting/Participants:
Caregivers of infants ages 3 to 6 months with a cleft lip and/or palate undergoing a primary repair at the Texas Children's Hospital.
Methods:
Packages were given to caregivers at discharge following repair. Packages included instructions and supplies needed for surgical site care. At discharge an advanced practice provider obtained informed consent and a questionnaire that established baseline knowledge of surgical site care. Following the questionnaire, the advanced practice provider demonstrated how to care for the site using the package provided. Assessment of scar healing, nasal stent compliance, and ease of care was evaluated at postoperative follow up.
Results:
Thirty-two families were enrolled in this study. Our data supports that caregivers who are provided resources to care for the site had increased comfort level, preparedness, and compliance rates following a primary cleft lip repair. Eighty-four percent of respondents strongly agreed that the package provided aided in preparedness for site care with 100% of respondents recommending the resources to future families undergoing a cleft lip repair.
Conclusions:
Caregivers feel comfortable and equipped with their ability to care for their child's repaired cleft lip when given the appropriate instructions and supplies. In addition, they would recommend the packages to future families following a repair. Empowering families to be proactive in postoperative care will potentially lead to better outcomes in cleft care.
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