A model of practice for the management of velopharyngeal dysfunction

This paper reviews normal speech production, the speech characteristics associated with velopharyngeal dysfunction, the investigations required and treatment options. A model of service delivery is proposed which has been in place over the past 4 years. This model highlights multidisciplinary management by a specialist team. An audit of the service has been undertaken. Of the 225 patients audited, some interesting findings are presented on aetiology, diagnosis and trends in management. Systematic and comprehensive collection of data on large numbers of patients permits meaningful audit of process and outcome.