Family care practitioners experience with individuals with orofacial clefts in Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Orofacial clefts are among the most prevalent birth defects worldwide. Specialized treatment and surveillance of basic health needs are critical. Few studies have investigated primary care practitioners' experience in caring for individuals with clefts. OBJECTIVE: It was to describe experience and current interest of family care practitioners on the management of individuals with clefts. METHODS: Observational cohort of 104 practitioners from Maceió (AL) e Campinas (SP). Demographic, academic and professional characteristics, didactic experience and desire in continuing education on clefts were assessed using a questionnaire RESULTS:Seventy-four practitioners were located in Maceió and 30 in Campinas. Female gender and low academic qualification were predominant. Physicians and nurses prevailed over dentists, 78 (75%) participants had clinical experience with clefts. Use of protocols was mentioned by 3/104 (2.9%), provision of information on clefts by 58/104 (56%) and referrals to the Brazilian Reference Network by 7/104 (6.7%). Almost 50% reported didactic experience and 94%, desire on continuing education in this field CONCLUSION: Results corroborate the literature and reinforce the need of improving family care practitioners' skills to manage individuals with clefts. Education and strengthen ties between primary level of the health system and specialized teams must be focused. Some strategies are presented in this regard.