Disparities in vocal health services: a critical review of the literature
Background: Access to voice diagnosis and therapy may be delayed by several social barriers, including healthcare coverage disparities for minority groups, as well as legal, financial, and language barriers for immigrants and patients in excluded and marginalized social positions. These challenges are compounded by cultural competence issues, and limited awareness and outreach, making it difficult for these populations to receive the care they need. Addressing these barriers requires comprehensive policy and epistemological changes, increased provider training, and targeted outreach efforts. Methods: A search was conducted for articles on health inequalities in communication disorders. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted using three computerized databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Virtual Health Library covering until February 2024. Results: The preliminary results suggest significant disparities in vocal health services for underserved communities, driven by historical and systemic biases. In addition, this review identifies effective strategies, such as incorporating culturally relevant practices and enhancing provider cultural competence in vocal health care. Conclusion: Disparities in voice therapy and assessment services involve recognizing and dismantling historical and systemic biases that have limited access to quality care for underserved communities. By integrating culturally relevant practices, these services can become more inclusive. This approach sets out a decolonial approach in vocal health services and opens up a line of investigation and knowledge production on disparities in health in which all individuals, regardless of their background, receive respectful and effective vocal health care.