Extending multidisciplinary management of cleft palate to the developing world.
The needs of patients with a cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) extend beyond surgical repair. A multidisciplinary approach to the care of patients with CL/P is the widely accepted standard in most regions of the developed world. Patients with CL/P in developing countries have needs similar to those of patients in industrialized nations. However, the existing shortages of healthcare resources have precluded provision of the most basic care to those with a CL/P. Innovative applications of technology can facilitate the delivery of speech therapy, evaluation of audiometric data, and limited dental evaluation for these patients with a modest financial investment. One method by which this care might be provided is with the use of Internet-based modalities. This represents a near universally available method to fill a conspicuous gap in the preoperative evaluation and postoperative care of patients with CL/P in the developing world. With rapidly expanding access to the Internet, particularly with wireless-3G connectivity worldwide, it is time to expand our delivery of humanitarian care beyond surgery alone in treating patients with CL/P in medically underserved areas.
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
Maxwell C
MC
Furr
Elissa
E
Larkin
Robert
R
Blakeley
Thomas W
TW
Albert
Lance
L
Tsugawa
Stephen M
SM
Weber
D000533:Altruism; D001299:Audiometry; D002971:Cleft Lip / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D016287:Computer Peripherals; D003729:Dental Care; D003906:Developing Countries; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006295:Health Resources; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science; D008493:Medical Missions; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D013070:Speech Therapy; D059039:Standard of Care; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D049269:Videoconferencing