“Are we…providing them with an equal service?”: Speech-language pathologists’ perceptions of bilingual aphasia assessment of Samoan-English speakers

Abstract

Purpose: Speech-language pathologists are more often providing services to clients from a different cultural and/or linguistic background from their own. It can be particularly challenging to conduct language assessments with individuals with bilingual aphasia, especially given the limited research in this area. This investigation explored speech-language pathologists’ perspectives on: the challenges that impede the assessment of language in Samoan-English speakers with bilingual aphasia; and the facilitators that support the assessment of language in Samoan-English speakers with bilingual aphasia. Methods: The study used a qualitative descriptive approach, underpinned by a constructivist paradigm. A focus group was conducted with four speech-language pathologists who had experience working with Samoan-English speakers with bilingual aphasia, including one clinician with extensive knowledge of the Samoan language. Results: The focus group yielded rich data relevant to the research questions. Analysis revealed 29 codes within eight categories of challenges related to: the Samoan language and culture; the SLP’s background; using interpreters; family involvement; the logistics of the assessment; determining which language(s) to assess; assessment tasks and resources; and obtaining an initial impression of and building rapport with the individual. The analysis also identified 14 codes within five categories of facilitators related to: the SLP’s background; using interpreters; family involvement; determining which language(s) to assess; and assessment tasks and resources. Conclusions: The investigation provides valuable insights into the experience of conducting language assessments with Samoan-English speakers with bilingual aphasia. The findings may also be useful for informing the delivery of speech-language pathology services to other individuals with bilingual aphasia.