Speech and language therapy model for children with cleft lip/palate in Lao People's Democratic Republic.

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment can reduces disfigurement for children with cleft lip/palate (CLP); however, most children have persistent speech and language problems especially if speech and language services are not available in underserviced and/or developing regions and countries. Children in such areas cannot reach appropriate and timely speech therapy services.

OBJECTIVE

To establish a speech and language therapy model in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), by combining the principles of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR), Primary Health Care (PHC) and institutional medical approaches.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: Participatory workshops during which a speech and language therapy model would be developed.

RESULTS

A speech and language therapy model for children with CLP in Lao PDR was established based upon the existing healthcare system and regional context.

CONCLUSION

A speech and language therapy model should be implemented among children with CLP in Lao PDR as well as other developing countries where there is a paucity of speech and language therapy services.