Jipmer brings out patient education books on cleft care

Jipmer has brought out two specialised patient education books during the inauguration of an intensive patient counselling programme for children with cleft lip and palate.

The publications, in Tamil and English, serve as comprehensive guides for families navigating the complexities of cleft care.

“A Journey of Love and Nutrition” authored by Vijayageetha, Senior Nursing Officer and Cleft Counsellor, focuses on the nutritional and emotional needs of children born with cleft lip and palate, while “Nursing Every Smile,” written by Rajeshwari, project coordinator, explores the clinical and rehabilitative journey of these children through the lens of specialised nutritional support.

Both works feature unique hand-sketched illustrations by Parkavi, a patient counsellor and “Cleft Warrior” who, as a former patient herself, utilised her first-hand experience to bring the books to life, a press note from Jipmer said.

Formally releasing the books, Vir Singh Negi, Jipmer Director, reiterated the institute’s commitment to providing not just surgical excellence but also the essential psychological support and knowledge required for long-term recovery.

Ravi Kumar Chittoria, Head of Plastic Surgery, stressed the role of patient education as a critical component of healing, emphasising the need for such resources to train new mothers in the vital subject of nutrition.

Pushpalatha, Nursing Officer In-charge, noted the need for specialised books for parents of such children, which would help them address such issues.

Devi Prasad Mohapatra, Project Director, Jipmer Smile Train Cleft Project, announced that the books would be distributed free of cost to parents of children with cleft attending Smile Train project, which has been operating at Jipmer since 2014.

For the wider public, the books will be available for purchase on online platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart. Families seeking support can visit the Plastic Surgery Cleft OPDs, which are conducted every Tuesday and Thursday at the Super Specialty Block, Jipmer, the press note said.