Facilitators and barriers to delivering an optimal specialist service in the United Kingdom: An example from cleft lip and palate care

Stock, Nicola; Zucchelli, Fabio; Hammond, Vanessa; Hudson, Nichola; Sell, Debbie

Abstract

Aim: Despite published standards of care, inequities and variations in specialist care delivery in the United Kingdom have been identified. Using cleft lip and palate (CL/P) care as an example, this study aimed to identify common barriers to delivering an optimal specialist service, as well as potential facilitators.
Methods: Individual interviews were conducted with 50 specialist CL/P practitioners, representing all sixteen UK centres.
Results: Thematic analysis identified a range of barriers, including working within a restrictive medical model, declining resources, and an insufficient evidence base. To facilitate optimal care delivery, participants described a need to share best practice, partnering with academics to demonstrate service effectiveness, the utilisation of technology in clinic, and the authentic integration of patient-centred care.
Conclusions: Specialist teams need to work more closely with commissioners to ensure allocation of resources based on need and the optimisation of service delivery and patient outcomes.

Citation

Stock, N., Zucchelli, F., Hammond, V., Hudson, N., & Sell, D. (in press). Facilitators and barriers to delivering an optimal specialist service in the United Kingdom: An example from cleft lip and palate care. British Journal of Healthcare Management,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 31, 2021
• Deposit Date: Sep 27, 2021
• Journal: British Journal of Healthcare Management
• Print ISSN: 1358-0574
• Electronic ISSN: 1759-7382
• Publisher: MA Healthcare
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Visible Difference; Cleft Lip and Palate; Specialisation; Commissioning, Optimisation; Multidisciplinary; Patient-Centred Care
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7854408