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Objectives of this study is to determine the effect of a critical pathway on hospital stays and outcomes after cleft lip and palate repair. During a period of eleven months from March 2000 to January 2001, twenty six cases to applied by critical pathway for cleft lip and palate were followed up. Comparisions were made between the precritical pathway and postcritical pathway groups. The results of this study showed that expenses of treatment for cleft lip and palate was reduced to 20%, 30% respectively, after critical pathway. After critical pathway, hospital stays for cleft lip and palate was reduced to from 7 days to 4 days, from 9 days to 6 days, respectively. Postoperative complications was not increased. Patient satisfactions was increased because of the detailed explanations and reduced hospital stays. Conclusively, significant decreases in length of hospital stay are seen, and cost reductions can be realized after critical pathway.
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