The lived experience of Vocal Cord Dysfunction
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative exploration of the lived experience of Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)
IRAS ID
145567
Contact name
Adel Mansur
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) is an unpredictable and distressing condition where the vocal cords go into spasm, thereby affecting an individual’s ability to breathe.
As the key symptoms revolve around breathing difficulties and can be accompanied by a wheeze, the condition often coexists with and is misdiagnosed as asthma (Mansur, 2012). However, asthma medication is not effective for the treatment of VCD and consequently misdiagnosis can cause suffering and prolonged distress. More research is needed to understand the condition, and a formal evaluation of the outcomes of treatment will be essential to understanding whether diagnosis and treatment have been appropriate and effective.
In this study we intend to conduct qualitative interviews with individuals with VCD to understand the experience of living with the condition. VCD focus groups have already been undertaken as part of a service development initiative, and this information will contribute to development of the semi structured interview. Other experts with experience diagnosing and treating the condition will also be consulted. From this information a list of key experiences about the impact of VCD on an individual’s life, will be drawn up and presented back to participants for comments.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/0030
Date of REC Opinion
20 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion