TeleCleft: Development and Evaluation of a Mobile Application for Monitoring Cleft Patients

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Healthcare Technology
• Cleft Lip and Palate Management
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Cleft lip and/or palate (CL±P) treatment requires extensive monitoring and guidance.
• Remote monitoring solutions can improve accessibility and reduce patient/caregiver burden.
• Mobile applications offer a platform for delivering digital health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate the TeleCleft mobile application for remote monitoring and guidance.
• To assess the usability and satisfaction of caregivers and infants using the TeleCleft app during nasoalveolar molding (NAM).

Main Methods:

• Pilot, cross-sectional, applied, quantitative study conducted in Brazil.
• 20 caregivers and infants undergoing NAM for CL±P participated.
• Intervention involved using the TeleCleft mobile application for remote care.

Main Results:

• High usability and satisfaction ratings were reported for the TeleCleft application.
• Users found remote monitoring effective, convenient, and useful.
• Positive user feedback highlights the application's potential.

Conclusions:

• The TeleCleft application is a viable tool for remote monitoring and guidance in CL±P care.
• It can reduce travel burdens for families, alleviating care challenges.
• This technology supports families throughout the CL±P treatment journey.