Speech–language therapy services for children with cleft palate: A scoping review on continuity of care

Author:

Bow Mikaela1ORCID,McCabe Patricia1ORCID,Purcell Alison12ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Camperdown NSW Australia

2. School of Health Sciences The University of Western Sydney Camperdown NSW Australia

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundChildren with a cleft palate (with or without a cleft of the lip) often require speech–language therapy (SLT) services to achieve age‐appropriate speech. For many children, this involves attending SLT services delivered by both specialised cleft team speech–language therapists (SLTs) and a local, community or school‐based SLT. Given that these two different SLTs are typically involved in the child's care, it is important to ensure that effective communication, coordination and collaboration occur between them. This is known as continuity of care. While continuity of care in speech therapy has not generally been evaluated, in medicine it has been shown to improve health outcomes.AimsTo identify what is known from the existing literature about processes for continuity of care in cleft speech therapy services.Methods & ProceduresA scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework. Seven databases were searched including MEDLINE via OVID, EMBASE via OVID, CINAHL via EBSCO, PsychINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and SpeechBITE. Covidence was used to screen 733 initial articles and five studies met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify global and subthemes.Main ContributionFive papers were included for analysis. These identified two salient characteristics of cleft speech therapy continuity of care: (1) it is a continuous cycle and (2) it is complex. Although parents are integral team members, cleft and community SLTs must be responsible for initiating communication and collaborating. Furthermore, cleft SLTs have a crucial role in disseminating information and resources, as well as offering guidance and support.Conclusions & ImplicationsGiven that only five studies were included, there is a need to gather more information from parents, community SLTs, and cleft SLTs to understand their experiences and perspectives. From what is known, there are breakdowns in the processes needed for continuity of care, including confusion regarding roles and responsibilities, and community SLTs lacking confidence, knowledge and support. Recommendations are provided to facilitate improvements in continuity of care.WHAT THIS PAPER ADDSWhat is already known on the subject Children with CP±L often require SLT from two different clinicians including a specialised cleft SLT and a community or school‐based SLT. As such, it is important that effective communication and collaboration occur between them to ensure continuity of care.What this study adds to the existing knowledge This study identified a breakdown in the processes necessary for continuity of care. According to community SLTs, there is a discrepancy between their expectations and current practices. This scoping review has identified two critical characteristics of effective continuity of care: (1) it operates as an ongoing cycle; and (2) it is a complex, multifaceted endeavour.What are the practical and clinical implications of this work? This study highlights the importance of cleft and community SLTs taking the initiative in communication and collaboration, rather than solely relying on parents as intermediaries. By offering practical recommendations, this research aims to improve continuity of care, potentially fostering greater awareness and advancements in service delivery.

Publisher

Wiley

Reference34 articles.

1. Speech diagnosis and intervention in children with a repaired cleft palate: A qualitative study of Flemish private community speech–language pathologists’ practices

2. Parental perceptions and expectations concerning speech therapy-related cleft care - a qualitative study

3. American Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Association. (2018)Parameters for evaluation and treatment of patients with cleft lip/palate or other craniofacial differences. American Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Association.

4. American Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Association. (2022)Standards for approval of cleft palate and craniofacial teams. American Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Association.

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3