Measuring outcomes in cleft lip and palate treatment.

Measuring meaningful outcomes in cleft lip and palate surgery is difficult. Many methods of measurement lack validity or reliability, are impractical to implement, or are not consistently used. Yet the power of measuring outcomes is so great, and the potential to improve patients' lives so strong, that these hurdles are worth overcoming. This chapter reviews previous efforts at outcome measurement from cleft centers around the world. It also suggests a framework for adopting outcome measurement within your practice. Challenges of measurement are discussed, along with the role outcome reporting will take in accreditation and quality management.