Development of Community-Based Speech Therapy Model: For Children with Cleft Lip/Palate in Northeast Thailand(cid:31)
Benjamas Prathanee MA*, Sumalee Dechongkit PhD**, Sriwimon Manochiopinig PhD***
Affiliation : (cid:31) Presented at 10th International Congress on the Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies, 4-8 September 2005, International Convention Center, Durban, South Africa * Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen ** Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University *** Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
Background : Surgical treatment can reduce disfigurement for children born with cleft lip/palate, however,
most children are left with speech and language problems. This creates a new problem as speech and language
services is limited.
Objective : To combine the principles of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR), Primary Health Care (PHC)
and institutional medical approaches for reaching and treating speech disordered children with cleft lip and/
or palate in remote area.
Materials and Methods : The authors conducted the study from participatory workshops for development of a
Community-Based Model.
Results : Community-Based Speech Therapy Model for children with cleft lip/ palate was established based on
healthcare system.
Conclusion : Model can be implemented among children with cleft lip/palate for further process in Northeast
and other areas of Thailand as well as developing countries where there is a limitation of speech therapy.
Keywords : Community base, Cleft lip/palate, Speech therapy model
