A scoping review of the role of gender within speech-language pathology practice

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this scoping review was to explore the role of gender within speech-language pathology practice.

Method

A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Comprehensive and systematic searches of four international databases were conducted. Eligible studies included empirical findings that focussed on gender related to the practice of speech-language pathology, or gender issues amongst clinicians, published in a peer-reviewed journal, in English or French between 1994 and 2020.

Result

Twenty articles met our inclusion criteria, involving 4035 participants across seven countries over a 25-year period. Our conceptual mapping highlighted the following key trends: (1) speech-language pathology is a gendered profession; (2) gender-related factors affecting career choice and job satisfaction; and (3) gender differences among speech-language pathologist practice.

Conclusion

This review highlights the need for further research to understand the role of gender within speech-language pathology practice.

Keywords:

• gender
• health care providers
• scoping review
• speech-language pathology

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this study was provided, in part by the Kimel Family Fund through the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.