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Smile Train: A Sustainable Approach to Global Cleft Care
Abel M Smerica1,2, Sarah C Hamilton3, Rami P Dibbs1,2
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|April 7, 2022
Summary
Smile Train partners with LMIC treatment centers to provide cleft lip and palate repair and comprehensive cleft care (CCC). Technology and expanded programs enhance sustainability and improve patient outcomes globally.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Nonprofit Healthcare Management
Background:
- Smile Train is a leading global nonprofit organization addressing cleft lip and palate care.
- The organization operates in over 90 countries, focusing on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
- Disparities in access to quality surgical and medical care for clefts are a significant global challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe Smile Train's partnership model for cleft care in LMICs.
- To highlight the integration of technology and expanded programs to enhance sustainability and patient outcomes.
- To demonstrate the organization's commitment to improving cleft care despite global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Establishing partnerships with local treatment centers and medical professionals.
- Providing training, education, equipment, and grants to strengthen partner capacity.
- Implementing safety and quality protocols and fostering inter-agency collaborations.
- Leveraging technological advancements such as online data record keeping, virtual training, and mobile applications.
- Expanding comprehensive cleft care (CCC) to include nutrition, oral health, speech, and nursing support.
Main Results:
- Smile Train has established a sustainable model for cleft care delivery in LMICs.
- Technological integration has improved the safety, quality, and efficiency of cleft services.
- Expanded CCC programs are enhancing functional and psychosocial outcomes for patients.
- The organization has successfully navigated challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, to continue providing essential care.
Conclusions:
- Smile Train's partnership model, augmented by technology and comprehensive care, effectively addresses cleft disparities in LMICs.
- The organization demonstrates a sustainable and scalable approach to improving the lives of children with clefts worldwide.
- Continued investment in training, technology, and holistic care is crucial for advancing global cleft treatment.
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