Comparing the effectiveness of two types of speech therapy for MSA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
ClearSpeechTogether versus standard NHS speech intervention: A single, mixed method, rater blinded pilot randomised controlled trial for people living with MSA-C
IRAS ID
322064
Contact name
Anja Lowit
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Strathclyde University
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN44652664
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 0 days
Research summary
This study will investigate the feasibility, acceptability and potential benefits of a novel, cost-effective and patient-centred model to treat speech problems in people with MSA-C.
Our novel therapy model (ClearSpeechTogether) combines individual sessions with a speech and language therapist (SLT) with group support sessions that are run by the patients themselves, under the guidance of the SLT. Our recent feasibility study showed that the intervention helped participants with progressive ataxia improve their speech, motivated them to practise more and to use their speech strategies in everyday communication, and that the groups provided psychological and social support which increased their confidence. Some participants also commented that ClearSpeechTogether was more effective in improving these aspects than the individual therapy they had previously received. Finally, ClearSpeechTogether is much more cost-effective as it only uses a small number of therapist sessions whilst providing patients with the opportunity to work on their speech intensively which helps to improve their communication.
This study aims to establish whether ClearSpeechTogether could also have communication benefits for people with MSA-C, and how acceptable the programme would be. Furthermore, we need to find out how feasible it is to inform the design of a future large scale randomised controlled trial.
We plan to recruit 24 people who will be randomly allocated to receive ClearSpeechTogether or standard NHS therapy. Each will receive 6 weeks of therapy, including four individual SLT sessions over two weeks, followed by daily patient led group meetings using SLT designed activities for another four weeks, with weekly check-in by the SLT. Those receiving standard SLT will meet individually with the therapist once a week. All sessions will take place online. We will evaluate feasibility, acceptability and potential communication benefit of ClearSpeechTogether versus standard therapy.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/NW/0037
Date of REC Opinion
13 Mar 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion