Benjamas Prathanee1, Bowornsilp Chowchuen. 1. Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand. benjamas@kku.ac.th
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To propose a community-based network system and interdisciplinary management for children with cleft lip/ palate, applicable to Thailand and other developing countries. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A network was developed for the care of patients with cleft lip/palate by combining primary health care, community-based rehabilitation and institutional expertise (Tawanchai Center), Five workshops were conducted, including: 1) network development for cleft lip-palate care in the new millennium; 2) a multi-center study on the incidence and etiology of oral clefts and associated abnormalities in Northeast Thailand; 3) establishment of a Network for Children with Cleft Lip/Palate care in Northeast Thailand, including: 3.1) Skill development in cleft lip/palate care for parents and family; 3.2) a community-based model for speech disorders for children with cleft lip/palate in developing countries and for holistic nursing care for children with cleft lip/palate in developing countries; and, 4) development of interdisciplinary team system and network for holistic care for community-based quality of life, health promotion, speech and language intervention for Thai cleft lip/palate. RESULTS: A community-based network system model with interdisciplinary care was developed. CONCLUSION: A community-based network system model with interdisciplinary care can be applied for children with cleft lip/ palate in Thailand and developing countries where there exists a lack of coordinated multidisciplinary services. We plan to implement such a system in the near future.
OBJECTIVE: To propose a community-based network system and interdisciplinary management for children with cleft lip/ palate, applicable to Thailand and other developing countries. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A network was developed for the care of patients with cleft lip/palate by combining primary health care, community-based rehabilitation and institutional expertise (Tawanchai Center), Five workshops were conducted, including: 1) network development for cleft lip-palate care in the new millennium; 2) a multi-center study on the incidence and etiology of oral clefts and associated abnormalities in Northeast Thailand; 3) establishment of a Network for Children with Cleft Lip/Palate care in Northeast Thailand, including: 3.1) Skill development in cleft lip/palate care for parents and family; 3.2) a community-based model for speech disorders for children with cleft lip/palate in developing countries and for holistic nursing care for children with cleft lip/palate in developing countries; and, 4) development of interdisciplinary team system and network for holistic care for community-based quality of life, health promotion, speech and language intervention for Thai cleft lip/palate. RESULTS: A community-based network system model with interdisciplinary care was developed. CONCLUSION: A community-based network system model with interdisciplinary care can be applied for children with cleft lip/ palate in Thailand and developing countries where there exists a lack of coordinated multidisciplinary services. We plan to implement such a system in the near future.