Evidence Based Practice in Speech Language Pathology/Audiology in India

Abstract

This opinion article addresses the issue of EBP in academic, research and clinical settings in India. EBP is not an alien concept for Speech-Language Pathologists/Audiologists in the country.  Most professionals in practice are acquainted with the idea of integrating current research evidence with clinical expertise in the context of the client's own life situation. With the aim of eliminating nonstandard practice patterns in both assessment and intervention, experts in the field have developed guidelines for working with a wide range of clinical populations in India. Monographs and journals are being published periodically by academic institutions and professional bodies in an effort to bridge the research-to-practice gap. This opinion article reviews the EBP implementation problems unique to the sub continent including diverse languages and dialects, lack of standard tools for assessment in different languages, financial constraints, illiteracy, nonavailability of specialized centers and the lack of a mechanism to monitor clinical practices in India.