Global and Regional Perspectives on Parental Satisfaction in Cleft Lip Care: A Scoping Review

Abstract

ObjectiveTo map the existing literature on parental satisfaction regarding cleft lip care, identifying global trends and regional disparities in treatment outcomes and communication protocols.DesignScoping review of literature published between 2010 and 2025.SettingGlobal scoping review.InterventionsPrimary cleft lip repair.Patients/ParticipantsParents and primary caregivers of children who underwent primary cleft lip repair.Main Outcome MeasuresParental satisfaction scores related to surgical aesthetics, functional outcomes, and multidisciplinary team communication.ResultsA total of 53 studies met the inclusion criteria. Significant regional variations were observed. High-income countries reported higher satisfaction with multidisciplinary communication, whereas low- and middle-income countries highlighted surgical aesthetics as the primary driver of satisfaction, often complicated by limited access to secondary revisions.ConclusionStandardized, culturally sensitive assessment tools are required to accurately measure parental satisfaction globally. Improving preoperative communication is universally recommended to align parental expectations with achievable surgical outcomes.