Interpretive description as a qualitative research framework in speech-language pathology: A scoping review.

Purpose: Interpretive description is a constructivist, flexible, qualitative research approach used to generate knowledge to inform practice in applied disciplines. Despite potential value for the speech-language pathology profession, there has been limited discussion of interpretive description in...

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Published in:International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology Vol. 28; no. 2; pp. 245 - 258
Main Authors: Duggleby Wenzel, Shanda, Charest, Monique, Pritchard-Wiart, Lesley
Format: research systematic review tables/charts Journal Article
Published: Taylor & Francis Ltd Apr2026
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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      dt: Apr2026
      vid: 28
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      pub: Taylor & Francis Ltd
      place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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        atl: Interpretive description as a qualitative research framework in speech-language pathology: A scoping review.
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        au:
          Duggleby Wenzel, Shanda
          Charest, Monique
          Pritchard-Wiart, Lesley
        affil: Department of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
      sug:
        subj:
          Qualitative Studies
          Research Methodology
          Study Design
          Conceptual Framework
          Speech-Language Pathology
          Professional Knowledge
          Professional Practice
          Professional Discipline
          Human
          Scoping Review
          Psycinfo
          CINAHL Database
          Medline
          Purposive Sample
          Thematic Analysis
          Epistemology
          Checklists
      ab: Purpose: Interpretive description is a constructivist, flexible, qualitative research approach used to generate knowledge to inform practice in applied disciplines. Despite potential value for the speech-language pathology profession, there has been limited discussion of interpretive description in our field to date. The purpose of this scoping review was to describe how interpretive description has been used in speech-language pathology research. We asked: a) How and to what extent has interpretive description been used as a methodological framework for primary research in the field of SLP and b) what features of interpretive description are most salient in the speech-language pathology studies that have used interpretive description to date? Method: Arksey and O'Malley's () methodological framework for scoping reviews was used. In May 2023, we searched five databases for peer-reviewed, primary research publications that reported using ID, were specific to speech-language pathology, and were written in English. Two researchers independently reviewed articles for inclusion. A third researcher provided input when consensus could not be reached. Result: Nineteen articles met criteria. Data were extracted regarding article characteristics including use of theory, types of findings, clinical applicability, and description of disciplinary epistemology. Conclusion: Interpretive description is an emerging methodological framework in speech-language pathology research. Advantages and challenges of interpretive description for speech-language pathology are discussed.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        systematic review
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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