Implementation of a Standardized Data-Collection System for Comprehensive Appraisal of Cleft Care.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective is to describe the process of adapting a conceptual framework into a practical toolkit for one cleft team. DESIGN: This is a single-arm implementation study in a single institution. SETTING: Implementation took place at a mid-sized multidisciplinary clinic for patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) from urban/suburban and rural areas across North Carolina and neighboring states. PARTICIPANTS: Eligible participants were patients with CL/P from English-speaking families. Sixty patients entered and finished the study. INTERVENTIONS: The implementation of a prospective data collection system based on the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) standard set of outcome measures for CL/P was accomplished in multiple stages. Patient- and clinician-reported forms and protocols for gathering data were created. Team members were trained and the system was tested; finally, the system was deployed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Success was appraised using the RE-AIM framework to assess reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. RESULTS: Ninety-eight percent of patients and all team members agreed to participate. Ninety-four percent of required data were captured. Adaptations to friction points were made; specifically, visible reminders were affixed to charts, primary clinicians were required to assume data entry responsibility, and e-mail reminders were instituted. Development cost was US$7707; average time cost per clinician was 21 min/wk. CONCLUSIONS: Conceptual frameworks for outcomes studies must be tailored to their environments; otherwise, they cannot be practically implemented and sustained. We present this process for a cleft team using the ICHOM standard set. The process may help other teams implement the standard set or other conceptual frameworks.

Duke Scholars

Author Jeffrey Robert Marcus Surgery, Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery

Author Alexander C Allori Surgery, Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery