Therapeutic itinerary of children with cleft lip and palate

Abstract

Objective to understand the therapeutic itinerary of children with cleft lip and/or palate. Method a descriptive qualitative study carried out with families of children with cleft lip and palate. Data collection took place between June and July 2022 through semi-structured interviews, and thematic content analysis was applied. Results eight families participated and three categories emerged: I) Facing the unknown: diagnosis of cleft lip and palate in children – feelings of shock, fear and uncertainty were noted that permeate during early or late diagnosis; II) An arduous path: pauses and beginnings during the therapeutic itinerary – it was observed that the families followed different paths due to the specificity of the family configuration and the cleft itself; III) Weaving the support network for care – support from friends, family, professionals and health institutions proved to be extremely necessary. Conclusions and implications for practice the therapeutic itinerary of children with cleft lip and palate is arduous and followed by challenges, which begin at diagnosis and continue after birth. It is hoped that the results of this study will encourage dialogue among health professionals and become familiar with the needs of this population and be able to act at different points of health care.