Feasibility and Acceptability of the ChUSE Intervention
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving Access to Psychological Therapies for Children with Distressing Sensory Experiences: The Feasibility and Acceptability of the ChUSE Trial, a Novel Child-focused and Parent Intervention
IRAS ID
327343
Contact name
Sarah Louise Parry
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN12245618
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
Distressing sensory experiences, such as hearing voices, seeing visions, or feeling presences others don't, are often associated with emerging signs of psychosis. Consequently, these experiences are surrounded by stigma, which can make young people and their parents very anxious. It is this anxiety that often leads young people and families to seek help from children’s mental health services. Anxiety about distressing sensory experiences can make the symptoms more frightening and harder to ignore, which is why it is so important children and families can access timely support.
Parents have explained: “There is a massive gap in services with zero services being available for someone experiencing voices so young”. Without suitable support, the overall wellbeing of the family can decrease rapidly, reducing their abilities to cope.
Building upon the extensive research of the team to date and national stakeholder consultations, the ChUSE study will trial a new approach to supporting young people and their parents to learn new information and coping skills, which aim to improve their overall wellbeing and reduce future risks to their mental health.
The study has two parts. Firstly, we will ask 30 children (aged 8-15-years-old) and their parents/carers to take part in a short talking-therapy intervention and parent-training programme to develop skills and understanding in relation to distressing sensory experiences. 30 children will also join the study and receive the care that would usually be provided. This intervention will be based within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to help children and parents when they initially seek help. Secondly, the children, parents/carers and practitioners who take part will be invited to give detailed feedback about their participation so we can see what difference the intervention makes, learning from their insights.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/WM/0054
Date of REC Opinion
15 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion