Culturally Responsive Practices Among Speech–Language Pathologists in Saudi Arabia: Knowledge, Skills, Training Experiences and Attitudes

What is already known on the subject CRPs are widely recognized as essential in SLP to ensure equitable and effective service delivery for multicultural individuals. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of cultural considerations in healthcare and education fields; however, these have primarily focused on other professions rather than SLP. In SA, research has noted challenges related to the shortage of culturally and linguistically relevant tools, leading SLPs to create informal alternatives. However, no known studies have examined the training, attitudes, skills, knowledge and facilitators related to CRPs among SLPs in SA. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This study offers insights into CRPs in SLP practice, emphasizing areas for improvement and facilitators for growth. It explores academic and professional dimensions to identify factors that strengthen CRP practices, including areas for further knowledge development and facilitators encountered by SLPs. Furthermore, the findings address a critical gap in the literature by providing a clearer understanding of SLPs' attitudes, skills and knowledge related to CRPs in SA. The study also contributes to global discussions on CRPs by offering an SLP perspective to inform responsive approaches, enhance the implementation of CRPs, and inspire future research in diverse regions and fields. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? To enhance CRPs among SLPs in educational and medical settings, it is necessary to strengthen CRP-related knowledge. This enhancement promotes more personalized services and better communication outcomes for clients and students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, this study identified key facilitators that support the effective implementation of CRPs, further improving the quality of SLP services for individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.