Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Historically, South African plastic
surgeons (PSs) have been managing cleft lip/
palate (CLP) and craniofacial anomalies (CA). PS
lead CL/P teams globally where the need arises. The
complex, lengthy nature of CL/P management requires
holistic services and collaboration between disciplines.
Academic education should provide in-depth knowledge,
interdisciplinary participation, and clinical exposure to field
experts. OBJECTIVES: An investigation into exposure and
knowledge of South African PS regarding management
of CL/P. An opinion from practicing PS about academic
educational needs for working with CL/P patients.
METHODS: Online survey and telephone interviews (a
structured questionnaire) investigating opinions of PS
in CL/P to determine satisfaction with the adequacy of
academic education and perceived needs. RESULTS:
The questionnaire was completed by 41% of practicing
PS from Medpages health‑care provider database.
Most respondents (63.3%) were between 30 and 49. Of
them, 74% showed good general knowledge of CL/P.
However, 76.5% acknowledged limited clinical training
and exposure in this field, preventing them from adequate
services provision to CL/P patients. Only 41% offered
primary and/or secondary treatment to CL/P patients
and 40% had participated in interdisciplinary teams. All
agreed on the need for a dedicated training program(s)
in CL/P management. The majority recommended
subspeciality training through a clinical fellowship or a
degree course. CONCLUSION: PS postgraduate academic
training and clinical exposure are limited in the CL/P field.
An educational strategy should be established to meet
the needs of PS providing CL/P care. Part-time clinical
fellowship and/or degree courses would prepare them
adequately for a career managing CL/P and CA patients.
