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Published on: August 1, 2019

From Repair to Reply: Characterizing Utilization Patterns and Timing of Patient Electronic Communication in Cleft

Thalia Le1,2, Anthony Southern1,2, Noon Awad1,2

  • 1Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|July 24, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Patient electronic communication (PEC) is common in pediatric cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) surgery, with most messages sent before surgery. This highlights a need for better preoperative education and support for families.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric surgery
  • Craniofacial anomalies
  • Health informatics
  • Patient engagement

Background:

  • Patient electronic communication (PEC) enhances patient engagement and care continuity.
  • PEC use in pediatric cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) surgery is understudied.
  • Understanding perioperative PEC patterns is crucial for optimizing care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize perioperative PEC use in pediatric CLP surgery patients.
  • To identify factors associated with communication burden in this population.
  • To explore the content and timing of patient-initiated electronic messages.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of PECs from pediatric CLP surgery patients (Jan 2023-Dec 2024).
  • Messages categorized by volume and content from scheduling to 90 days postoperatively.
  • Multivariable regression models assessed predictors of PEC use and volume, including demographics, clinical factors, and Social Vulnerability Index (SVI).

Main Results:

  • 77.6% of patients sent PECs, with a mean of 2.6 messages per patient; 60.4% occurred preoperatively.
  • Logistical coordination, feeding/nutrition, and orthodontic issues were dominant message categories.
  • Increased PEC volume correlated with longer hospital stay and prior surgeries; higher ASA classification and readmission were linked to decreased volume.

Conclusions:

  • PEC is highly prevalent in pediatric CLP surgery families, primarily used for preoperative logistical and anticipatory needs.
  • Message content reveals unmet needs in logistics, feeding, devices, and wound care.
  • Findings suggest opportunities for targeted perioperative education to address patient and family concerns.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cleft lip and palateelectronic patient communicationhealth care communicationpatient counselingpatient educationpatient portal messagingpediatric plastic surgeryperioperative care

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