A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study of Speech in Five-Year-Olds with Cleft Palate ± Lip to Support Development of National Audit Standards

Developing standards has facilitated more meaningful reporting of speech outcomes and treatment processes. Evidence-based standards were defined and extensively tested, enabling centers to compare their performance with national trends. One 5-year outcome standard was achievable; the other two standards will require modification through the mandatory annual national audit program.