1. Family Satisfaction With “Arena” Format Cleft Palate Clinic
Donald Laub, Jr, MS, MD
Marinell Newton, MSW
Susannah Offenhartz, RN, BS
David Leitner, MD

2. Vermont Children With Special Health Needs (CSHN)
Administered by the Vermont Department of Health.
Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Clinic begun in 1969.
Supported by Title V, federal Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, state funds, and Medicaid.

3. Vermont CSHN Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Clinic
All Children (0 -21 years) with craniofacial differences living in the State of Vermont are eligible. About 250 families are actively participating.
Complete coverage of treatment (including orthodontia & dental implants) with annual sliding-scale deductible.

4. Vermont CSHN Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Clinic
Clinics are held in an “Arena” Format
Entire team in in the room with child and family
Team discussions are held with family participation

5. Nursery Visit

6. Waiting Room

7. Audiologic Testing

8. Nursing Interview

9. The Clinic Team

10. Child in the “Hot Seat”

11. Examination

12. Discussion

13. Exit Interview

14. Post-clinic Follow-up
Families telephoned two months after clinic
Insurance authorization
Social Workers follow patient through CSHN
Referrals for early intervention
Post-operative hospital visits
Travel and lodging assistance

15. Survey Results 40 of 47 respondents liked the format
44 of 47 understood the discussions & explanations
3 of 47 respondents disliked the format

16. Favorable Comments
Enjoyed meeting all professionals that would be caring for child in the future
Questions answered well
Informal & friendly
Feel that the family is a member of the team
Saved time
Fewer examinations

17. Favorable Comments
The two families previously involved with other cleft clinics preferred the arena format.

18. Unfavorable Comments
Lack of appropriate individual introductions (2 respondents)
Lack of explanations of roles of team members (2 respondents)
Lack of focus of the team on the child (1 respondent)

19. Arena Format Cleft Clinic
Families Are Satisfied With Format
Communication Is Enhanced
Families Are Empowered
Good Service Is Provided

20. Arena Format Cleft Clinic
Providers need to focus on child and family
Roles need to be explained
Works for a Small Clinic

21. Thank You