Collaboration begins with connection: Experiences of community-based speech-language pathologists in cleft palate continuity of care.

PURPOSE Little is known about how community-based speech-language pathologists experience continuity of care when working with children with cleft palate. This study explored how continuity of care is promoted, the barriers and facilitators encountered, and the nature of collaboration with cleft team clinicians and families.

METHOD Twelve community-based speech-language pathologists from Australia and New Zealand participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants worked across private practices, schools, hospitals, and community health. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret the data.

RESULT Three global themes were developed: (1) Navigating roles and relationships, (2) communication and collaboration, and (3) I need help - and I have some ideas. Participants valued collaborative care, but described variable communication, and limited access to cleft team support. Trusting relationships and clear, timely information were key facilitators in continuity of care.

CONCLUSION Community speech-language pathologists play a central role in cleft care and demonstrate a strong commitment to engage in collaborative care yet face barriers to inclusion and collaboration. Findings point to the need for clearer communication pathways, shared planning, and inclusive, team-based models that better facilitate collaboration between community clinicians, cleft team clinicians, and parents.