A survey of psychological assessment on interdisciplinary craniofacial teams

Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2011 Jul;48(4):425-44. doi: 10.1597/09-252. Epub 2010 Jul 1.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the role of mental health professionals on craniofacial teams and determine how craniofacial teams assess for psychological concerns in their patient populations.

Design: Online and paper surveys.

Participants: A total of 55 craniofacial team coordinators and 40 mental health professionals who are team members participated in this study.

Results: Results indicated that teams in 2007 generally viewed psychological services on their teams similarly to teams assessed in 1987. Most teams do not use formal measures in their assessment of psychological concerns, and they provide feedback via discussions with the families. Mental health professionals assess a wide variety of potential areas of concern and are generally satisfied with the referral sources available to their patients.

Conclusions: Craniofacial teams appear to practice in a manner consistent with professional standards, and these teams seem to value the inclusion of mental health professionals as part of the interdisciplinary team. Implications and limitations including response rate are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Cleft Lip / psychology
  • Cleft Palate / psychology
  • Craniofacial Abnormalities / psychology*
  • Craniofacial Abnormalities / surgery
  • Feedback
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services*
  • Middle Aged
  • Needs Assessment*
  • Parents / psychology
  • Patient Care Team*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Social Support
  • Social Work