Addressing Competence and Educational Gaps Among Speech and Language Pathologists in Cleft Palate Care: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Flanders

What is already known on the subject Treating children with CP±L is complex and requires high-quality care from specialised SLPs with sufficient clinical experience. However, there is a global trend to reduce dedicated coursework on CP±L in SLP training programmes. Instead, the subject is often briefly covered in general courses or offered as an elective. As a result, there is a shortage of well-trained SLPs, creating an urgent need for alternative training formats. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This study reveals that Flemish Community SLPs feel insufficiently trained to assess and treat children with CP±L who exhibit complex or severe problems, such as feeding problems, compensatory articulation disorders (CAD), velopharyngeal insufficiency or submucosal cleft palate. They have a strong need for theoretical knowledge and practical continuing education, preferably provided by experts in CP±L. They want a 1-day or multi-day training course that utilises extensive video footage, personal coaching, opportunities to observe experts and even an internship. Additionally, they want an online platform to collect and disseminate all knowledge and expertise. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Given the global decline in specific CP±L courses in SLP programmes, SLPs feel inadequately prepared to assess and treat these children correctly. This increases the risk that no results will be achieved or that undesirable results will occur. To prevent this, alternative training formats are needed. Based on this needs analysis, a training programme was developed for community SLPs, tailored to their needs to enable them to provide high-quality speech therapy services.