Parent-led Articulation Therapy in Cleft Palate Speech: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Objective: To test the feasibility of trained parents undertaking cleftrelated articulation therapy, supervised by a Specialist Speech & Language Therapist using Connected Health, with a view to a full trial. Method: There were five components: (1) to identify the number of 3âĂŠ4-year-olds who could potentially benefit from this programme, through reviewing the charts of children with cleft palate in one cleft centre; (2) to develop an appropriate speech assessment protocol identifying the primary and secondary outcome measures; (3) to evaluate Connected Health for interacting with children and parents; (4) to develop the parent-training course; and (5) to test the feasibility of the parent training and implementation of the intervention programme with four parent/child diads. Main results: Approximately 25% of 3-year-olds might be eligible. The assessment protocol was largely successful, with minor adaptations recommended. Audio/video quality, using FaceTime, was reported as good most of the time by parents and the SLT. The parents showed evidence of learning from the 2-day parent training course. Post-intervention assessments indicated that all four children showed progress. Conclusions: Results indicated that PLAT should be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial, with adaptations to the age range, inclusion/exclusion criteria and parental support.