Cleftnet (Scotland): A Network for the Treatment of Cleft Palate Speech Using EPG

Abstract

Electropalatography (EPG) has proven its effectiveness in changing abnormal articulatory placement in cleft palate speech but clinicians often do not have ready access to such equipment. In order to improve access to EPG therapy, a network has been established which electronically links cleft palate centres throughout Scotland with EPG specialists based at Queen Margaret College (QMC), Edinburgh. The network was set up through a collaborative project entitled 'CleftNet Scotland', funded by the Scottish Office Department of Health. In this paper, the rationale and overarching aims of CleftNet Scotland are described and the efficacy of this form of EPG therapy illustrated by descriptions of two cases.