Education of Parents of Newborns with Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate by Healthcare Professionals in Texas Hospitals

Abstract

Schimmoller, Mary V. Education of Parents of Newborns with Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate by Healthcare Professionals in Texas Hospitals. Master of Public Health (Community Health), May 2005, 37 pp., references, 22 titles. The purpose of this study was to ascertain what, how, when and by whom information is given to parents of cleft lip/palate newborns in Texas hospitals and whether additional information is needed. Methods: Telephone interviews with 97 health care professionals who provide initial care to moms of cleft lip/palate newborns in the 159 Texas hospitals with more than 500 live births in 2003/2004. Findings: 76% of respondents said information given to parents of cleft newborns in effective/ very effective, 63% gave conflicting responses on whether babies with cleft can breastfeed, 35% said additional information is needed, 7% said they need information in additional languages. Conclusion: Information given to parents with cleft lip/palate newborns in Texas hospitals is inconsistent and often insufficient.