Mobile App Use in Clinical Care for Cleft Patients in the UK and Republic of Ireland

ObjectiveTo establish whether mobile applications (apps) are used as part of routine care for patients with cleft lip and palate in the UK and Republic of Ireland and to determine what role apps could play in the delivery of care.DesignA 5-question survey was designed by the authors and disseminated via Clinical Standards Advisory Groups (CSAGs), professional contacts, and the following presentation of preliminary results at the Craniofacial Society of Great Britain and Ireland's annual conference (2024). Responses were collected between April 5 and May 9, 2024.SettingUnited Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland.ParticipantsProfessionals working in cleft care.InterventionsN/aMain outcome measuresCurrent app use, desirable functions in a cleft app, and views on the need for future app development in cleft care.ResultsSeventy-one responses, from 10 different roles working in cleft care. Twenty-one percent of respondents used apps in clinical practice. Respondents named 23 different apps that they used. Of those not using apps, 22% had failed to find the appropriate app. Eighty-two percent of those who had not looked believed there is a role for apps in cleft care. The most common suggested functions for a cleft app were therapy/treatment (85%), patient information (75%), and clinical education/training (59%).ConclusionsMany healthcare professionals use a variety of apps in the delivery of cleft care. There is an appetite among cleft professionals in the UK and the Republic of Ireland for a cleft-specific application. Work is required to establish an evidence base for app use in cleft care.