Gaps between the indication and the home execution of massage therapy in children in the postsurgical stage of primary cheiloplasty or rhinocheiloplasty

• Montero-Orellana, María José

• Scar

Purpose: This study describes the compliance rate with home massage therapy in children in the postsurgical stage of primary cheiloplasty or rhinocheiloplasty and the factors that facilitate or hinder its execution. Methods: The parents of 15 children treated at the Gantz Foundation - Children’s hospital for cleft lip and palate in Santiago, Chile were recruited. Parents received instructions to perform massages at home 5 times daily and were followed up for 3 months by recording in a log. Qualitative information on facilitators and barriers was collected in a focus group session. Results: Compliance rate was close to 75%, and the factors that facilitated the execution were performing the massage with some distracting activity and noticing the positive changes in the appearance of the scars. The most important factors that hindered the execution were the infant’s crying and changes in the routine. Conclusion: The authors conclude that the compliance rate is high and suggest that parents and guardians identify and implement a routine with a distracting activity that allows the massage to be carried out effectively.