The Americleft Study: An Inter-Center Study of Treatment Outcomes for Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Part 1. Principles and Study Design

Abstract

This is the first paper in a series of five that outlines the overall goals of the study and sets the basis for the clinical outcome studies that are reported in the following four papers. The five centers' samples and treatment protocols as well as the methods used for each study are reported. The challenges encountered and possible mechanisms to resolve them and reduce methodological error with intercenter studies are also reviewed.