Feeling Heard
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Targeting distress reduction for patients experiencing distressing voices: A case series evaluating a novel intervention pathway (the Feeling Heard study)
IRAS ID
303466
Contact name
Mark Hayward
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
Aims
The long-term aim of this research is to increase access to effective psychological interventions for psychosis patients who are distressed by hearing voices.
The specific aim of the proposed study is to explore the feasibility and acceptability of offering choices within a pathway of brief and targeted interventions, delivered by a wider workforce of therapists.
Background
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) has been the psychological intervention recommended for the ‘positive symptoms’ of psychosis (delusions and voice hearing) for the past two decades. However, CBT has experienced two barriers to progress during this time. Firstly, CBT has only been able to generate small-medium amounts of benefit (relative to control groups) for patients, and adaptations have been unable to break through the barrier. A recent response to this barrier has been to target CBT at one psychotic symptom at a time (the ‘single-symptom approach’) and results have been encouraging with enhanced benefits being reported. Secondly, there has been limited access to CBT with only a minority of patients being offered treatment. The reasons for limited access include a lack of resources as CBT is typically delivered by highly trained therapists who are in short supply. Our response to this barrier has been to evaluate CBT for distressing voices when offered by briefly trained therapists, with preliminary findings offering encouragement. Having made progress regarding both patient benefit from CBT and increased access to CBT, we now wish to combine these approaches to maximise access and benefits. Additionally, we want to offer patients greater choice over the length and content of CBT.
Design and methods
This study will be a single site, single grouped, unblinded, case series - following an AB design: (A) a baseline assessment; and (B) a pathway of interventions offered over a maximum of 20 sessions with monthly assessments.
Dissemination
Findings will be written up and submitted for publication in a peer reviewed academic journal. Findings will also be disseminated to participants and patient and carer organizations, and presented at patient and carer events and at local, national and international conferences.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0331
Date of REC Opinion
8 Dec 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion