Family Satisfaction With “Arena” Format Cleft Palate Clinic Donald Laub, Jr, MS, MD Marinell Newton, MSW Susannah Offenhartz, RN, BS David Leitner, MD

Vermont Children With Special Health Needs (CSHN) Administered by the Vermont Department of Health. Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Clinic begun in 1969. Supported by Title V, federal Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, state funds, and Medicaid.

Vermont CSHN Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Clinic All Children (0 -21 years) with craniofacial differences living in the State of Vermont are eligible. About 250 families are actively participating. Complete coverage of treatment (including orthodontia & dental implants) with annual sliding-scale deductible.

Vermont CSHN Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Clinic Clinics are held in an “Arena” Format Entire team in in the room with child and family Team discussions are held with family participation

Nursery Visit

Waiting Room

Audiologic Testing

Nursing Interview

The Clinic Team

Child in the “Hot Seat”

Examination

Discussion

Exit Interview

Post-clinic Follow-up Families telephoned two months after clinic Insurance authorization Social Workers follow patient through CSHN Referrals for early intervention Post-operative hospital visits Travel and lodging assistance

Survey Results 40 of 47 respondents liked the format 44 of 47 understood the discussions & explanations 3 of 47 respondents disliked the format

Favorable Comments Enjoyed meeting all professionals that would be caring for child in the future Questions answered well Informal & friendly Feel that the family is a member of the team Saved time Fewer examinations

Favorable Comments The two families previously involved with other cleft clinics preferred the arena format.

Unfavorable Comments Lack of appropriate individual introductions (2 respondents) Lack of explanations of roles of team members (2 respondents) Lack of focus of the team on the child (1 respondent)

Arena Format Cleft Clinic Families Are Satisfied With Format Communication Is Enhanced Families Are Empowered Good Service Is Provided

Arena Format Cleft Clinic Providers need to focus on child and family Roles need to be explained Works for a Small Clinic

Thank You