Growing a profession: Clinician perspectives on the evolving practice of speech-language pathology in Vietnam

Purpose: This paper reports findings from phase two of a multiphase cross-cultural research programme exploring the professional practice of a group of Vietnam's first university-qualified speech-language pathologists. Method: Employing qualitative research methodology, this study involved a series of workshops with seven Vietnamese speech-language pathologists in which visual research methods were used to explore the evolution of their work, the challenges they faced, and opportunities to progress their professional practice. Thematic analysis employing a mixed deductive-inductive approach was used to analyse the textual data. Result: Heightened awareness of the speech-language pathology profession in Vietnam, movement into specialisation and expansion of services into the private sector were described. Dual professional roles, limited access to culturally-relevant resources to support practice and lack of experience in advocating for services posed challenges, whilst community education, the conduct of research, and the training of others in speech-language pathology were progressing the profession. Conclusion: The professional practice of a group of Vietnam's first speech-language pathologists is growing. Opportunities to advance their practice will best be informed by knowledge that reflects local context and culture and includes the experiences and preferences of persons living with communication and swallowing disabilities in Vietnam and their families.