title: Speech Correction for Children with Cleft Lip and Palate by Networking of Community-Based Care.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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 signficantly 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).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.forename: Yotsak
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hanchanlert
authors.forename: Worawat
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Pramakhatay
authors.forename: Suteera
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pradubwong
authors.forename: Benjamas
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Prathanee
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002971:Cleft Lip / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013060:Speech / Q000502:physiology*; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D013785:Thailand