‘It Is Not Possible to Go Back to Normal, but It Is Possible to Start Again’: Experiences of Speech–Language Pathologists After the 2023 Earthquakes in Türkiye

What is already known on this subject Natural disasters such as earthquakes cause severe disruptions to health and rehabilitation services, often limiting both access to care and professional performance. Previous studies have examined the experiences of nurses, midwives, teachers and pharmacists in disaster contexts, showing that these professionals face significant challenges in maintaining service continuity under such conditions. However, there has been no systematic exploration of how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are affected, despite the fact that individuals with communication disorders are among the most vulnerable groups during disasters. The lack of research on SLPs highlights an important gap, as interruptions in communication-based interventions can have profound and lasting consequences for clients and families. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study qualitatively examines the experiences of SLPs during the 2023 Türkiye earthquakes. The findings reveal multidimensional challenges, including disrupted therapy processes, increased communication difficulties among clients and significant psychological strain on both SLPs and families. They also highlight the urgent need for SLPs in tent and container settlements, their potential role in search and rescue teams or in training such teams and the importance of long-term preparedness through trauma-focused training. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The study emphasizes that SLPs should be included in disaster management teams to ensure the continuity of communication and swallowing services during crises. Clinical practice can be strengthened by integrating disaster preparedness into undergraduate curricula and ongoing professional development.