Parents' attitudes toward family involvement in cleft palate treatment

Families exert a powerful influence upon their members and can be a significant resource in cleft palate treatment. The purposes of this study were to gather information about (1) the characteristics and attitudes of families whose children are treated for cleft palate; (2) the extent to which parents participate in decisions about treatment; and (3) parents' ideas about their participation. A 32-item survey questionnaire was distributed to 75 parents in Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. Forty-two survey forms (56%) were completed and returned for analysis. The majority of parents (57%) were satisfied with their present involvement in team treatment services; however, 36% wished for more involvement, and 7% wished for less involvement.