Where is the Care? Identifying the Impact of Rurality on SLP Caseloads and Treatment Decisions for Children with Cleft Palate

What is it about?

This article investigates how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) care for children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) in rural and urban regions. The study found that SLPs in rural areas had access to fewer resources and were less comfortable making referrals to specialized craniofacial teams, potentially impacting the care provided to children with CL/P. This research emphasizes the need for more support and resources to ensure all children with CL/P receive excellent care, regardless of their location.

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Why is it important?

This work highlights the challenges faced by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in different areas when caring for children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). The uniqueness of this study lies in its focus on how the location, whether rural or urban, affects the resources available to SLPs and their comfort levels in making referrals to specialized teams. This research is timely and it sheds light on the disparities in care for children with CL/P across areas of differing population density, and it underscores the need for additional support and resources to ensure consistent, high-quality care regardless of geographic location. This study highlights the importance of equal access to care for all children with CL/P, regardless of where they live.