Roles and Experiences of Healthcare Professionals in Caring For Persons with Cleft Lip and/or Palate at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi-Ghana:

Beatrice Andrews; Alexander Oti  Acheampong; Peter  Dwumah; Solomon Obiri  Yeboah; Lawrence Gyabaa  Febir; Jonathan Mensah  Dapaah

Beatrice Akosua Andrews Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6758-1175
Alexander Akwasi Oti Acheampong Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0945-8627
Peter Dwumah Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0666-0064
Solomon Obiri Yeboah Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4800-3596
Lawrence Gyabaa Febir Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3592-5519
Jonathan Mensah Dapaah Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9453-6652

Keywords: Healthcare Professionals, Experiences, Roles, cleft, Palate, Patients, Multidisciplinary, Komfo Anokye

Abstract

The specific roles and experiences of healthcare professionals in caring for CL/P patients are investigated. A case study of the qualitative approach was used. The study setting was the Multidisciplinary Cleft Clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Eleven healthcare professionals participated in the study. The study employed in-depth interviews to obtain rich, lived experiences of the participants. Themes identified included multi-disciplinary approach to care, patient and family centered care, collaboration with external organizations, longevity and experience in the field, patient reception and psychological support, financial and procedural counseling, building supportive relationship, geographic distribution and relocation of parents, psychological impact of CL/P on parents, emotional transformation, societal stigma and misconception, financial strain, social and emotional implications. The analysis of the roles and experiences of healthcare professionals highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach involving surgeons, paediatricians, orthodontists, nurses, nutritionists, social workers and representatives from the Ghana Cleft Foundation and Smile Train. This multi-disciplinary strategy addresses not only surgical aspects but also pre- and post-surgical care, genetics research, nutritional support, orthodontic care, speech therapy, and psychological assistance. The study confirms that holistic treatment and care for CL/P go beyond general medical care. This study emphasises the need for a multidisciplinary approach to CL/P care, accentuating that treatment extends beyond surgery to include nutrition, speech therapy, psychological support, financial assistance, and social integration. Establishing consistent collaborations among healthcare professionals, government, and philanthropic organisations is crucial in ensuring access to comprehensive cleft care.

Author Biographies

Beatrice Akosua Andrews, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Dr. Beatrice Akosua Andrews is a sociologist and educator with over 25 years of experience in basic education. She recently completed her PhD in Sociology, focusing on the lived experiences of parents of children with cleft lip and palate in Ghana. Her research interests include medical sociology, gender roles in caregiving, and social inequalities in healthcare access. Beatrice is passionate about community engagement, family wellbeing, and youth empowerment. She has a strong background in qualitative research and is committed to using her work to influence policy and improve life.

Alexander Akwasi Oti Acheampong, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Prof. Alexander Akwasi Oti Acheampong is an Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dean of the School of Dentistry, KNUST. He also serves as a Consultant Surgeon at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). He holds degrees in Dentistry, Medical Science, and Law, with fellowships from GCPS and WACS. A postdoctoral fellow in Global Health Research (University of Michigan), Prof. Oti is a core member of the Ghana Cleft Foundation and leads cleft surgeries and medico-legal advocacy. He has authored over 30 publications and spearheaded major initiatives including the KNUST Dental Student’s Clinic and a $2 million cleft center at KATH.

Peter Dwumah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Prof. Peter Dwumah is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) with research interests in work, organizations, social development and social psychological issues. He is an adjunct lecturer at the KNUST Business School. He has collaborated with scholars both locally and internationally on different research projects.

Solomon Obiri Yeboah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Dr. Solomon Obiri Yeboah began his career as a Dental Surgeon (BDS) and progressed to become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. He developed an interest in orofacial clefts and craniofacial surgery during my residency training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He also had the opportunity to do one-year international fellowship in Cleft and Craniofacial Surgery at the University of Alabama Children ‘s Hospital at Birmingham, USA. Dr. Obiri Yeboah is a senior lecturer at the KNUST School of Medicine and Dentistry. Currently, He is the head of the Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Community Dentistry. He provides clinical services as a Consultant Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgeon at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, training of house officers and residents. Also, he provides clinical care in the left and craniofacial surgeries and basic oral health care. Dr. Obiri Yeboah is involved in international collaborative programs that provide clinical care, training, and research in the left palate and craniofacial surgery. Again, he provides community services in health education and promotion, support orphanages, and a strong advocate for comprehensive cleft care in Africa. He has presented many papers at local and international conferences, workshops, and symposiums. His publications in peer-reviewed journals are currently 38 in number. Dr. Obiri won the visiting scholar and emerging leader awards of the American Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Association (ACPA) in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Currently, he serves as the Chair of the ACPA's Global Care SIG.

Lawrence Gyabaa Febir, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Lawrence Gyabaa Febir is a highly, self-motivated Ghanaian. Lawrence studied at the University of Ghana, Sociology department, for A Master of philosophy degree in Sociology and product of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology with a degree in Law and Sociology at the bachelor’s degree level. He is currently a final year student in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology studying for the award of PhD degree in Sociology in the Sociology and Social Work Department. Lawrence has several academic publications including publications on community-based qualitative studies, Health facility-based implementation research, national and regional nutrition and malaria surveys. Baseline health indicator surveys in mining areas, public engagement studies. Phase iv malaria studies in health facilities. He is currently a Chief Health Research officer of Ghana Health Service in Kintampo Health Research Centre in the Bono East Region.

Jonathan Mensah Dapaah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Jonathan Mensah Dapaah is a Professor in Sociology and immediate past Head of Department of the Department of Sociology and Social Work, KNUST. He has extensive teaching and research experience from his thirteen years of employment at the Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. During this period, he has taught several courses at both undergraduate and post graduate levels and has also supervised several postgraduate theses and long essays in the areas of medical Sociology/sociology of health, political sociology, deviance and criminology, sociology of education, gender, anthropology among others. He has also served on various committees at the Departmental, Faculty and College levels. Jonathan Mensah Dapaah is a self-motivated and achievement-oriented individual with a commitment to personal development and professional excellence. He has excellent communication, writing and interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with others in teams and on projects.

Roles and Experiences of Healthcare Professionals in Caring For Persons with Cleft Lip and/or Palate at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi-Ghana

Healthcare Professionals’ Roles in Cleft Care

Abstract

Author Biographies