Tawanchai Cleft Center Quality of Life Outcomes: One of Studies of Patients with Cleft Lip and palate in Thailand and the Asia Pacific Region
Niramol Patjanasoontorn MD*, Suteera Pradaubwong MSN**, Somchit Rongbutsri MEd*, Siriporn Mongkholthawornchai MSN**, Bowornsilp Chowchuen MD***
Affiliation : * Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ** Surgery and Orthopedic Division of Nursing, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand *** Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : The needs and quality of life (QOL) of children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) after being processed through the
healthcare system are important in order to understand how to improve the standards of care. The Tawanchai Cleft Center
of Thailand in collaboration with Cleft Lip and Palate Care Center of the Asia Pacific Region, conducted a number of studies
on various aspects of treatment outcomes as an indication of its performance. This paper presents the outcome effects on
QOL.
Objective : To determine (a) the QOL of children with CLP in Northeast Thailand registered and followed-up at the Tawanchai
Centre, (b) their ongoing care needs and (c) the mental health of their parents when the children reach 5 years of age.
Material and Method: Using the Need, Satisfaction, QOL and GHQ-12 questionnaires, the authors evaluated 36 five-year-
old children with CLP, living in Northeast Thailand, registered at birth for treatment at the Tawanchai Cleft Center.
Results : The aspects most needing attention were: dental, speech therapy and local healthcare service. The QOL was low in
the economic, child relationships and psychological domains. The parents need more training on how to raise children with
CLP most appropriately. According to the GHQ-12, none of the families identified any mental problems.
Conclusion : Children with CLP at five years of age under the care of the Tawanchai Cleft Center by their own self-assessment
have satisfactory outcomes in most domains. Notwithstanding, there is need to improve parent training and access to dental
care, speech therapy and local healthcare services.
Keywords : Cleft lip and palate, Children, Quality of life, Needs assessment, Mental health
