Evaluating structure and content of parent-implemented early logopaedic intervention models following the three stages of communicative development in children with cleft lip and/or palate: Systematic literature review with narrative synthesis

Background

The development of communication, speech and language follows three stages (development of the parent–child relationship, interactions and actual speech and language acquisition). Children born with cleft lip and/or palate are at increased risk of communicative problems while parents may be going through an emotionally difficult time. Early parent-implemented logopaedic intervention that supports both parents and child is important. Three systematic reviews have examined the effects of early speech and language interventions, but not their structure and content.

Aims

To investigate which early parent-implemented logopaedic interventions already exist for children with cleft lip and/or palate, and to evaluate their structure, content and time of onset against the three stages of communicative development.

Methods

Six databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, APA PsycInfo, Cinahl and Scopus) were searched between inception and 31 March 2023 to identify published articles that reported early parent-implemented logopaedic interventions in children with cleft lip and/or palate, aged 0 to 3 years, clearly describing the strategies used to train parents. Two authors independently assessed the eligibility of the studies. Quality assessment was conducted using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database quality assessment tool, Single-Case Experimental Design tool and the National Institutes of Health pre-post-study tools. The structure and content of the interventions were analysed taking into account the needs and difficulties of both the parents and the child according to the three stages of communicative development.

Main contribution

The systematic literature search identified four studies that met the inclusion criteria. Three of them had a Level of Evidence III and one study had a Level of Evidence IV. Strategies appropriate for Stage 1 of communicative development (parent–child relationship) are well represented in only one study, but the psychosocial needs of parents are currently not included in these programmes. However, research shows that parental emotional difficulties can adversely impact a child's communicative development. Strategies appropriate for Stage 2 (promoting social interactions) are better represented. However, strategies appropriate for Stage 3 (acquiring correct speech and language patterns) are most represented in all intervention programmes.

Conclusions

Three out of four intervention programmes focus on Stage 3 (actual speech and language stimulation). Stage 1 is underrepresented and the psychosocial needs of parents are currently not included in existing intervention programmes. Further research is needed in close collaboration with psychologists to construct a comprehensive, longitudinal, developmentally appropriate intervention programme that equally represents the three stages of communicative development and considers the psychosocial needs of parents.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject

• Children with cleft lip and/or palate are at increased risk of speech and language problems from birth. Parents of these children often have emotional problems following their child's diagnosis. The effectiveness of early intervention to facilitate the child's speech and language development has already been proven. Early intervention is recommended for both parents and child, but little is known about early parent-implemented logopaedic interventions that also provide psychosocial support for parents.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

• This review has shown that existing early parent-implemented logopaedic interventions for children with cleft lip and/or palate focus mainly on facilitating responsive interactions and actual speech and language development (Stages 2 and 3 of communicative development).
• However, Stage 1, where the parent–child relationship develops, is currently not included, even though this stage is a prerequisite of subsequent stages. If parents are struggling with emotional problems (following their child's diagnosis) this can negatively impact their mental health, the parent–child relationship, attachment and their child's development.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

• A clinical implication of the findings in this review is that more attention should be paid to Stage 1 of communicative development in early parent-implemented logopaedic interventions. By working closely with the psychologist of the cleft (and craniofacial) team, any psychosocial needs of the parents can be included in the counselling. As a result, the parents and their child are seen and supported as a unit and the parent–child relationship can develop optimally.