Evaluating the Feasibility of Clinical Studies on Cleft Lip and Palate Patients Based on the Hospital Records.

Background: Policy makers, researchers and health care professionals are faced daily with the challenge of how to prioritize their activities and actions in different areas of their responsibilities. In the field of health, their decisions are often influenced by the reality of population needs on the one hand and limited resources on the other. The correctness of decisions is completely dependent on the quality and accuracy of information from the target population. Patient registries, have for decades been an important source of data needed to evaluate clinical practice, evaluate health service delivery, and assess policy implications at the local, regional, national, and international levels. Method: Based on the research objectives, fourteen registration forms consisting of 790 variables were designed. The data of cleft lip and palate patients who underwent surgery in Hazrat Fatemeh Hospital during the year 2022, in Tehran, Iran, were collected and entered into the registration system, and then the amount of recorded data was assessed based on the research objectives. Results: Only 28% of the data of cleft lip and palate patients were recorded in the clinical files during their hospital stay, and 72% of the required data are not recorded. However, the accuracy of the recorded data and their validity has not been evaluated. Conclusion: In order to obtain the necessary data for the designed objectives, the data recorded in the hospital are not sufficient and accurate, and a registry is needed to record accurately the data of cleft lip and palate patients.