PROBLEM
Every 1 in 1,583 babies is born with a birth defect called cleft lip and palate. As a child born with bilateral cleft lip and palate, I was inspired to create Cleftology. It was created to help foster a positive experience for those afflicted by cleft lip and palate.
My experience with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was a supportive one, thanks to the nurses and doctors who took the time to walk me and my family through the repair process. This game was designed to help foster this positive experience between
patients, families, and doctors.
SOLUTION
I created a board game that helps doctors explain surgeries to patients and their families. This game would make it easier for doctors to communicate expected outcomes, especially for
children with cleft lip and palate. It could reduce surprises for the child as they grow up and help reassure family members about what to expect in the early years of the children's life.
children with cleft lip and palate. It could reduce surprises for the child as they grow up and help reassure family members about what to expect in the early years of the children's life.
The cleft lip and palate repair process was simplified into
four categories; Action, Doctor, Surgery, and Recovery.
four categories; Action, Doctor, Surgery, and Recovery.
Along each step of the journey to a smile, the child learns about, the different surgeries they will have, the doctors that they will encounter, and the reality of setbacks and successes.
