Barriers and Facilitators to the Identification and Support of Children with Developmental Language Disorder in Georgia: A Qualitative Study Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

Purpose: Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition affecting approximately 1 in 14 children. Yet, DLD often remains unidentified, especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited research- and clinical practice infrastructures, leaving children without proper support. Georgia is one such country. The study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to timely identification and support of children with DLD in Georgia. Methods: Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research 2.0 (CFIR), we conducted focus group interviews with doctors and Speech and Language Therapists (n=20). Results: Findings showed that the barriers and facilitators to the identification and support were related to all the five CFIR domains: (1) innovation; (2) outer setting; (3) inner setting; (4) roles and characteristics of individuals; and (5) implementation process. Key obstacles identified include limited public awareness and knowledge of DLD, negative local attitudes, an absence of national strategy, a shortage of SLTs, and the lack of adapted resources and funding. Key facilitators include the master’s program through which Georgian SLTs receive training, recent trends in early intervention, and professionals’ desire to change the situation. Conclusion: This study is a starting point towards ensuring that all children with DLD can access quality services in Georgia, as well as in other countries given that most of the identified factors influencing service delivery are universal.