P16 The cleft genetics clinical excellence network (CEN): standardising and improving genetics care for individuals with orofacial clefting

Cleft lip and/or palate (CL±P) affects approximately 1 in 700 babies in the UK. However, there is currently a lack of evidence to support clinicians and families when deciding when to offer and accept genetic testing. With the aim of providing evidence based genetics care for individuals with orofacial clefting, we established the Cleft Genetics Clinical Excellence Network (CEN) in 2023. Bringing together clinicians and researchers, the CEN has already completed a national service evaluation project, to benchmark current cleft genetics provision across the UK, confirming the anecdotal information that practice varies widely between centres. The CEN has worked closely with cleft charities, patient groups and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). CEN meetings are aligned with other cleft CENs allowing for discussion and collaboration with cleft teams. Furthermore, the cleft genetics CEN has provided insight for the new cleft service specification. In summary, the cleft genetics CEN is a new network that aims to standardise and improve cleft genetics services for patients across the UK, by reviewing evidence, creating consensus guidelines and encouraging further research into cleft genetics. We present the CEN and the results of the service evaluation as well as our future directions.