Speech Correction for Children with Cleft Lip and Palate by Networking of Community-Based Care
Yotsak Hanchanlert BSc*, Worawat Pramakhatay BSc**, Suteera Pradubwong MSN***, Benjamas Prathanee PhD****
Affiliation : * Department of Physical Therapy, Kosumphisai Hospital, Maha Sarakham, Thailand ** Department of Occupational Therapy, Maha Sarakham Hospital, Maha Sarakham, Thailand *** Division of Nursing, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand **** Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Prevalence of cleft lip and palate (CLP) is high in Northeast Thailand. Most children with CLP face many
problems, particularly compensatory articulation disorders (CAD) beyond surgery while speech services and the number of
speech and language pathologists (SLPs) are limited.
Objective : To determine the effectiveness of networking of Khon Kaen University (KKU) Community-Based Speech Therapy
Model: Kosumphisai Hospital, Kosumphisai District and Maha Sarakham Hospital, Mueang District, Maha Sarakham
Province for reduction of the number of articulations errors for children with CLP.
Material and Method: Eleven children with CLP were recruited in 3 1-year projects of KKU Community-Based Speech
Therapy Model. Articulation tests were formally assessed by qualified language pathologists (SLPs) for baseline and post
treatment outcomes. Teachings on services for speech assistants (SAs) were conducted by SLPs. Assigned speech correction
(SC) was performed by SAs at home and at local hospitals. Caregivers also gave SC at home 3-4 days a week.
Results : Networking of Community-Based Speech Therapy Model significantly reduced the number of articulation errors for
children with CLP in both word and sentence levels (mean difference = 6.91, 95% confidence interval = 4.15-9.67; mean
difference = 5.36, 95% confidence interval = 2.99-7.73, respectively).
Conclusion : Networking by Kosumphisai and Maha Sarakham of KKU Community-Based Speech Therapy Model was a
valid and efficient method for providing speech services for children with cleft palate and could be extended to any area in
Thailand and other developing countries, where have similar contexts.
Keywords : Networking, Cleft palate, Speech correction, Community-based care
