In the field of speech-language pathology, innovative approaches to therapy can make a world of difference, especially for children with unique needs such as those with nonsyndromic cleft palate (CP). A recent study titled "Telepractice Parent Training of Enhanced Milieu Teaching With Phonological Emphasis (EMT+PE) For Persian-Speaking Toddlers With Nonsyndromic Cleft Palate: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial" provides compelling evidence on the effectiveness of telepractice interventions.
Children born with CP are at increased risk for delayed language development and speech sound disorders. Enhanced Milieu Teaching with Phonological Emphasis (EMT+PE) is a naturalistic intervention that has shown promise in addressing these challenges. The study conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the efficacy of telepractice and parent-implemented EMT+PE intervention in enhancing speech and language measures in toddlers with CP.
Here are the key takeaways from the study:
- Study Design: The RCT included 32 Persian-speaking children aged 18-36 months, randomly assigned to either the EMT+PE intervention group or the conventional intervention group.
- Intervention: Parents in the EMT+PE group received 3 months of training via telepractice in speech and language supportive strategies. The conventional group received usual care from cleft team therapists.
- Outcome Measures: The study evaluated language variables such as mean length of utterance and speech production variables like percent correct consonants before and after the intervention, and 2 months post-intervention.
- Results: Preliminary results indicate significant improvements in speech and language measures for the EMT+PE group compared to the conventional group.
The study highlights the potential of telepractice as a viable method for delivering parent-implemented interventions, especially in regions with limited access to specialized cleft care teams. Here are some practical steps practitioners can take to implement these findings:
- Embrace Telepractice: Incorporate telepractice into your service delivery model to reach families in remote areas.
- Train Parents: Develop training modules to empower parents to implement supportive speech and language strategies at home.
- Use Naturalistic Interventions: Focus on naturalistic approaches like EMT+PE that utilize everyday interactions to promote language development.
- Measure Outcomes: Regularly assess speech and language outcomes to ensure the effectiveness of the intervention.
By integrating these evidence-based practices, speech-language pathologists can significantly improve outcomes for children with CP, fostering better communication skills and overall development.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Telepractice Parent Training of Enhanced Milieu Teaching With Phonological Emphasis (EMT+PE) For Persian-Speaking Toddlers With Nonsyndromic Cleft Palate: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
