Evaluation of the implantation of attention to the person with cleft lip and palate in a Brazilian rehabilitation center

Abstract Background Cleft lip and palate is the most prevalent craniofacial anomaly. Although treatment and rehabilitation initiatives by SUS have existed since 1993, there are few studies on the reality of Brazilian centers. Objective This study evaluated the implantation of attention to the person with cleft lip and palate in a Brazilian rehabilitation center. Method Case study evaluation research to assess the degree of implantation in a rehabilitation center. In the first stage, we formulated a logic model of the attention to the person with cleft lip and palate based on international and national literature. The matrix was elaborated with the criteria, indicators and expected standards of care, which was validated by specialists through the Delphi consensus technique. Visits with on-site observation and semi-structured interviews were also carried out with key-informants of the center. Results We observed advanced level of implementation in Management (89.2%) and its subdimension, Organization (94.7%), as well as in Rehabilitation (84.9%). The A subdimension shows weaknesses (48.8%), mainly due to the lack of meetings, training and support to permanent education, monitoring of results and evaluation of users' perceptions, health education spaces, accomplishment of active search of the missing cases and support. Conclusion The evaluated center presented advanced implementation, fulfilling more than 80% of the evaluation. We recommend greater interaction between management and professionals to intervene on the identified points of improvement. The developed instrument contributes to the evaluation and implementation of other centers of reference in Brazil.