A survey of formal and informal assessment procedures used by speech-language pathologists in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to explore the types of formal and informal assessment procedures employed in speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs) practices and whether they participated in translating or developing any existing assessment tools for language, articulation, fluency, dysarthria and aphasia disorders. Methods: The study employed an online questionnaire survey aimed at SLPs working in Saudi Arabia. Results: A total of 122 SLPs completed the survey. The results showed that respondents used both formal and informal procedures to assess their clients. Most respondents reported frequently using self-translated assessment tools. Although a few of the SLPs reported standardising or developing formal tests, the majority of respondents rarely used them. Conclusions: There is a significant shortage of Arabic-developed assessment tools in the Saudi dialect, which has led SLPs to devise methods, tools and procedures to deal with this lack of resources. The study discusses various possible solutions to carry out assessments in light of this shortage. One element key to addressing the severe shortage of authentic language assessment tools is establishing and/or strengthening centres of clinical, teaching and research excellence in the Arabic-speaking Gulf countries and in other developing countries that have a similar paucity of speech-therapy services.