Challenges Faced by Speech Language Pathologists as Entrepreneurs: A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Speech language pathology is a new profession in Pakistan. With cultural & linguistic variations, SLP entrepreneurship in Pakistan needs to be augmented to reach the needy as well as economic growth of the country, hence challenges need to be identified. Objectives: To determine the challenges faced by Speech Language Pathologists in becoming entrepreneur. Methods: This qualitative exploratory study was conducted at Riphah International University, Islamabad from April 2019 to Sept. 2019. Study recruited N=15 speech language pathologists of both genders, aged 25-50 years, running their own private clinics using purposive sampling. Individual interviews were conducted using interview guide with 11 structured interview questions. Audio recording and note taking methods were used for data collection. Data was transcribed and thematic analysis done manually & verified. Results: Study with a sample of N=15 Speech Language Pathologists mostly 11(73.33%) highly qualified females with most 14(93.33%) with master’s degree & 10(66.67%) with < 10 years’ experience came up with an array of rich data. Thematic analysis revealed the outcome themes in descending order with a frequency 45 for Infrastructure, 32 for Professionalism, 27 for Recruit, 26 for Inclination, 23 for Unity, 22 for Legislation, 21 for Self-regulation, 20 for Wealth, 17 for Determination, 11 for Optimism & Matriarchy each, 10 for Expertise, 8 for Customers, 8 for Obstacles and 2 for Ethics. Conclusion: The five most common and eminent issues/ themes faced by Speech therapists as an entrepreneur in descending order of their frequency include infrastructure, professionalism, recruit, inclination, & unity.