Multimedia material about velopharynx and primary palatoplasty for orientation of caregivers of children with cleft lip and palate

Purpose: The objective of this study was to describe the process of elaboration and evaluation of multimedia material for caregivers about velopharynx, speech, and primary palatoplasty in babies with cleft lip and palate. Methods: The elaboration of the material involved an interdisciplinary relationship between the fields of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, Dentistry and Arts. The definition and execution of the following activities were based on the principles of art education involving the following: characterization of audience, characterization of content, identification and elaboration of illustrations, characterization of educational approach, elaboration of text and narratives, definition of audiovisual sequence, and video preparation. The material was evaluated with the participation of 41 caregivers of patients with cleft lip and palate involving the comparison between acquired knowledge using an evaluation script applied before and after presenting the material. Results: An increase was observed in correct responses regarding the role of velopharynx and the importance of primary palatoplasty for speech. Conclusions: The multimedia was effective in optimizing the knowledge of caregivers, suggesting the importance of such material during orientation.