Clinical Coordination of Cleft Care in Aotearoa: Experiences and Perspectives of Community SLTs

Kia ora,

You are invited to participate in a research study on how combined inpatient and community speech and language therapy is coordinated within cleft lip and cleft palate in Aotearoa. Bonnie Stainton is conducting this study from the University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha. Other research team members include Kenny Ardouin and Dr Phoebe Macrae. The study is being carried out as a requirement for a Master of Science (MSc) degree.

The study aims to identify facilitators and barriers to providing collaborative care. This research will contribute to the creation of clinically applicable and appropriate recommendations for the development of resources to support the coordination of cleft care between SLTs working in different settings.

Participating will involve an interview with the researcher, Bonnie Stainton, and will require approximately 60 minutes of your time. This interview will cover topics around your perspective and experiences in your role supporting patients with cleft, and your collaboration with other SLTs.

The interviews will take place either online via Microsoft Teams or in person at the University of Canterbury campus.

Additional information is available in the Information for Participants document attached below.

To participate, you must:

• Be a community-based SLT who previously and/or currently supports patients with cleft.

Please feel free to forward information regarding the study to any eligible SLTs you know who may be interested in participating.

Thank you for your time,

Bonnie Stainton