Description

The field of speech-language pathology (SLP) was established in the Philippines in 1978, and since then, the number of field-related college training programs and service-providing programs have steadily increased. Though these growing services have existed in the country for over 40 years, there are large areas of need, such as a lack of developmental speech and language norms, lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment tools, and limited client accessibility to services. This leaves clients vulnerable to underdiagnosis, overdiagnosis, and misdiagnosis as speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are left relying on subjective clinical judgement during their assessment process. The objectives of this study are to examine the 1) work environment, and 2) assessment process experiences and needs of SLPs working with clients in the Philippines in order to understand the needs and implications for the advancement of the country’s SLP clinical practice. This cross-sectional study used convenience sampling to recruit participants to complete an anonymous, electronic survey. Eligible participants were SLPs who had current or previous experience working with clients in the Philippines. Respondents (n=33) were primarily located in the Metro Manila area in the National Capital Region (NCR), used the Tagalog/Filipino and English languages with clients, worked with pediatric aged clients, and associated with the Philippine Association of Speech Pathologists (PASP). Respondents reported a number of concerns, including a lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment tools, a lack of appropriately normed speech and language developmental norms, limited reliability and validity in the current diagnosis process, and inaccurate direct translations of Western standardized assessments. Other concerns include finding and developing appropriate materials for clients speaking other Philippine languages and dialects, regulation of SLP clinical practice standards, and more resources for continuing education units and licensure requirements. These findings suggest that there are major areas that need to be addressed in order to advance SLP clinical practice in the Philippines.