Study of Care for Patients with Cleft Lip/Palate (CLP) in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Health Provider’s Perspective
Suteera Pradubwong MSN*, Siriporn Mongkholthawornchai MSN*, Tharinee Pethcharat MSN*, Kham Sene Keopadapsy MD**, Bowornsilp Chowchuen MD***
Affiliation : * Division of Nursing, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ** Khammouan Hospital, Khammouan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic *** Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Objective : The objectives of the present study included learning basic information on the problems among, and problem-
solving for, the persons caring for patients with cleft lip/palate (CLP) in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR).
Material and Method: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study done by completing a questionnaire during an
interview. The sample group comprised physicians, anesthetists, nurses and public health officers a total of 34 persons from
eight hospitals who attended a workshop at the Khammouan Hospital (October 16-20, 2010). The questionnaires were
approved by 5 assessors and had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.89. General demographic information was collected as well as
knowledge and understanding vis-a-vis the care of pediatric patients with CLP at Khammouan Hospital, in Lao People’s
Democratic Republic (PDR).
Results : Twenty of the public health officers surveyed were females. The average age of the officers was ~40 years. Sixteen of
the officers were nurses from Khammouan Hospital. The survey of public health officers’ taking care of patients with CLP
revealed that (a) 19 were trained at Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand (b) 23 had
experience in caring for patients with CLP (c) 17 had a medical specialist at the center (d) 4 had sufficient officers at the center
and (e) 13 had a good understanding of a multidisciplinary team approach to the care of patients with CLP while the majority
(21) had either a poor understanding (13) or none at all (8). The survey of medical personnel’s understanding in regard to
the care of patients with CLP was moderate (x = 3.08, SD = 0.99).
Conclusion : The problems of taking care of patients with CLP include lack of personnel (specifically professors to teach)
knowledge, medical equipment and financial support. The solution lies in help from the government and overseas organiza-
tions for in- and out-bound training and grants.
Keywords : Cleft lip/palate, Lao PDR, Caring of patients
