Effectiveness of Post-surgery Speech Therapy for Cleft Palate Individuals in a Third-world Country

Authors

Jennifer Halloran, Brigham Young University
Dr. David McPherson, Brigham Young University

Keywords

post-surgery speech therapy, cleft palate, third-world country, Operations Smile

College

David O. McKay School of Education

Department

Communication Disorders

Abstract

I traveled to Amman, Jordan to evaluate the effectiveness of speech therapy as a volunteer service for children undergoing cleft palate surgery through Operation Smile. Other studies have determined that speech therapy is necessary in cleft palate rehabilitation. This study examined whether therapy is or can be effective in developing countries as a volunteer service. The effectiveness was determined based on pre-operative communication levels compared to post-therapy communication levels as well as parent satisfaction with therapy received. Further, the challenges facing speech therapists as volunteers was determined.

Recommended Citation

Halloran, Jennifer and McPherson, Dr. David (2013) "Effectiveness of Post-surgery Speech Therapy for Cleft Palate Individuals in a Third-world Country," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 14.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/14