Professional identity of speech-language-hearing pathologists in Chile

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the professional identity of speech-language-hearing pathologists in Chile. Methods: an exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 14 speech-language-hearing pathologists with at least one year of work experience. Participants were selected by convenience to ensure diversity in their professional practice. The interviews, approximately 40 minutes long, were conducted, remotely, in 2021, addressing ethical aspects, professional roles, and theoretical knowledge. The data were analyzed thematically with ATLAS.ti using a constructivist approach. Results: the results indicate a lack of consensus among interviewees regarding their professional identity. However, they all identify themselves as health professionals with a primarily rehabilitative role, although this is not entirely clear. The challenges are related to identifying opportunities in professional training to develop a professional identity that responds not only to their practice but also to the construction of an identity hallmark that connects them better with the work setting. Conclusion: the professional identity of the participating speech-language-hearing pathologists is mostly limited to health, although diffuse and fragmented. Their perception tends to be self-centered, focused mainly on their work, with limited knowledge of other areas.