Using appreciative inquiry to co-design contextually responsive diagnostic practices for developmental language...

Area of Science:

• Speech-language pathology
• Healthcare innovation
• Cross-cultural communication

Background:

• Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) diagnosis requires culturally and contextually responsive practices, particularly in diverse regions like the Northern Territory.
• Engaging healthcare professionals in co-design is crucial for developing effective and sustainable service improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the use of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) to engage speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in co-designing culturally and contextually responsive DLD diagnostic practices.
• To adapt AI methodology for improving healthcare services in rural and remote Australian contexts.

Main Methods:

• Appreciative Inquiry, utilizing the 4D cycle (Discovery, Dream, Design, Destiny) with a "Detour" phase, was delivered over 18 months via online sessions to Northern Territory Health SLPs.
• Participants engaged in collaborative visioning, resource development, and reflection on culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate diagnostic practices.

Main Results:

• A context-specific framework was developed, including guiding principles, contextual considerations, diagnostic resources, and scripts to incorporate child and family perspectives.
• Participants reported increased confidence in applying DLD criteria, enhanced clarity in diagnostic decision-making, and stronger professional connections.
• The AI approach fostered ownership, reduced hierarchical barriers, and produced adaptable outputs for urban, rural, and remote settings.

Conclusions:

• Appreciative Inquiry is a cost-efficient, inclusive, and flexible methodology suitable for enhancing rural and remote healthcare services.
• AI aligns local solutions with organizational priorities, promoting sustainable practice change, collaborative leadership, and culturally responsive DLD diagnosis.
• The study demonstrates AI's potential to improve diagnostic practices and professional collaboration in speech-language pathology within specific cultural and geographical contexts.