Caregivers’ Feedback after Enrollment in the Community-Based Speech Therapy Model

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Public Health
• Pediatric Care

Background:

• The Khon Kaen University Community-Based Speech Therapy Model (KKUCSM) was implemented in Chiang Rai from 2012-2013.
• The model involved children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and speech assistants (SAs) in intensive speech camps led by speech and language pathologists (SLPs).
• KKUCSM primarily aimed to reduce articulation errors, necessitating an evaluation of caregiver feedback to enhance healthcare services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess caregivers' perceptions and feedback following their children's participation in the KKUCSM over one year.

Main Methods:

• Data collection involved focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 20 mothers, 4 grandmothers, and 2 siblings.
• Participants were categorized into two groups: those who enrolled in speech camps and those who did not.
• Content analysis was employed to summarize the qualitative data gathered from 45-minute focus group discussions.

Main Results:

• Caregivers of children in KKUCSM reported enhanced happiness, self-esteem, confidence, health, and academic achievement among their children.
• Children in the KKUCSM program showed greater self-esteem and confidence in communication compared to those not enrolled.
• Caregivers of non-enrolled children expressed concerns regarding their children's image, genetics, psychosocial well-being, social interactions, and articulation.

Conclusions:

• The KKUCSM effectively provided speech correction, indirectly improving the quality of life for children with CLP in psychosocial aspects and academic performance.
• The program contributed to reduced caregiver anxiety and improved family economic status.
• Caregiver feedback highlights the positive impact of the KKUCSM on children's overall development and well-being.