Impact of VERVE on Preschoolers with Language Disorder
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What is the impact of VERVE Child Interaction Therapy on early communication development for preschool children with language difficulties?
IRAS ID
247425
Contact name
Joanna Dawes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St George's University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 2 days
Research summary
Introduction: Within preschool children, prevalence rates of language disorder are between 2-19% (Law et al, 2000). Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a popular intervention within paediatric speech and language therapy (Allen and Marshall, 2009). Video, Endorse, Respect, Vitalise, Eye contact, Child Interaction (VERVE), developed by Keena Cummins (Stokes, 2015) is a specific type of PCIT. Clinical experience suggests efficacy, however, there is limited evidence to support this (Faulkus et al, 2017).
Aim: Investigate impact of VERVE on communicative ability in preschool children with language difficulties.
Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods:
Participants: 10 children aged 3;0 to 4;11 with severe language difficulties alongside parents.
Quantitative: Multiple Baselines Design. Communicative ability measured using Pre-School Language Scale (5th Edition). Measurements will be taken:
1) At consent to study
2) Half-way point on NHS waiting list
3) 1 week prior starting intervention
4) Post intervention.
Intervention: VERVE Child Interaction Therapy (Cummins, 2015). 4 weeks direct therapy sessions followed by 6 week consolidation period.
Qualitative: Parental interviews post intervention.
Results: Comparison of baseline scores to treatment effect post intervention. Thematic Analysis of parental interviews. Integration of quantitative and qualitative findings to illustrate both clinical outcomes and parental perceptions.
Discussion: Services are under increasing pressure both in demands and capacity, therefore, it’s imperative we offer evidence-based practice. This project will explore an intervention in terms of statistical and clinical significance but also outcomes which are significant to children and families.Research project will be received by St.George's University REC and the R&D department at Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust.
REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1632
Date of REC Opinion
30 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion