The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, and cleft care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been significantly impacted. The recent research article "Adapting Elements of Cleft Care Protocols in Low- and Middle-income Countries During and After COVID-19: A Process-driven Review With Recommendations" offers vital insights for practitioners on how to navigate these challenges. This blog summarizes the key findings and provides actionable recommendations to improve cleft care delivery in resource-constrained settings.
Foundational Principles
The working group identified the need for cleft care protocol adaptations to coordinate and unify global lobbying efforts for comprehensive cleft care during and after the pandemic. These adaptations should be broadly applicable, evidence-based, and considerate of local healthcare systems' unique challenges.
Focus Area 1: Surgical Safety
Ensuring surgical safety is paramount. Recommendations for adaptations to preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative protocols were made:
- Preoperative: Incorporate COVID-19 testing, virtual screenings, and consider regional COVID-19 prevalence for isolation strategies.
- Perioperative: Ensure adequate PPE, maintain hygiene, and implement distancing measures. Consent processes should include COVID-19 risks.
- Postoperative: Continue monitoring outcomes and consider virtual follow-ups where feasible.
Focus Area 2: Prioritization
Prioritizing cleft care services and surgical procedures based on time-sensitivity and functional outcomes is crucial. The highest priorities include:
- New-born assessments for breathing, feeding, and hearing.
- Primary cleft palate repair and urgent interventions for respiratory and nutritional needs.
- Speech pathology interventions to reduce speech errors and improve outcomes.
Conclusion
Comprehensive cleft care is essential, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges. By adapting protocols and prioritizing critical services, practitioners can improve outcomes for children with cleft conditions in LMICs. A unified global approach can help advocate for necessary resources and support.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Adapting Elements of Cleft Care Protocols in Low- and Middle-income Countries During and After COVID-19: A Process-driven Review With Recommendations.
