What does this research mean for the field?

A competency-based cleft surgery training pathway combining virtual education and mentored operative experience significantly improves surgical confidence and educator-rated competency among trainees in low- and middle-income countries. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the effectiveness of a competency-based cleft surgery training pathway designed to build sustainable local surgical capacity in low- and middle-income countries.

August 26, 2026The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial JournalOpen Access

Expanding Cleft Surgical Workforce Capacity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Through Competency-Based Training

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Authors

DBDaniel BradleyOperation PAR JDJonathan DiazOperation PAR EJEmily JonesOperation PAR

Discussion

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Implication

Prospective observational study demonstrates improved surgical competency among trainee surgeons in low- and middle-income countries, suggesting a scalable model for cleft care.

Key Points

To evaluate the effectiveness of a competency-based cleft surgery training pathway designed to build sustainable local surgical capacity in low- and middle-income countries.
Conducted a prospective observational study of 20 trainee cleft surgeons across 11 low- and middle-income countries between July 2022 and September 2024.
Delivered a curriculum combining virtual education with mentored operative experience across 1,168 cleft procedures (862 primary repairs).
Assessed training outcomes using self-reported confidence surveys and validated educator-rated surgical competency evaluation tools.
Surgical confidence increased significantly across all primary repairs: unilateral cleft lip (P = .001), bilateral cleft lip (P < .001), and cleft palate (P < .001).
Educator-rated competency scores rose by 46% for unilateral cleft lip, 56% for bilateral cleft lip, and 71% for cleft palate repairs.
Three surgeons finished the pathway by September 2024, and eight completed training by April 2025, with remaining trainees progressing toward certification.

Cite This Study

Bradley et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8ebb54451774b83f3b4cee https://doi.org/10.1177/10556656261475423

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Implication

Prospective observational study demonstrates improved surgical competency among trainee surgeons in low- and middle-income countries, suggesting a scalable model for cleft care.

Expanding Cleft Surgical Workforce Capacity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Through Competency-Based Training

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Expanding Cleft Surgical Workforce Capacity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Through Competency-Based Training

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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