Speech and Language Therapy Communication Profile Intervention V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does Speech and Language Therapy led Communication Profiles Intervention improve communication for adults with Intellectual Disabilities? Developing and trialling a Speech and Language Therapy intervention for Communication Impairment in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities.
IRAS ID
278172
Contact name
Sian Wood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Adults with intellectual disabilities and communication problems are at high risk of having poor physical and mental health. Speech and Language Therapists support adults with intellectual disabilities to improve communication. One treatment used is Communication Profiles which involves identifying the individual’s specific communication difficulties and supporting carers to change the way they communicate to use the best communication approach for the individual. There is currently little evidence about how the treatment should be delivered and whether it works.
This study aims to develop a Communication Profile treatment with input from the people it affects (stakeholders); adults with intellectual disabilities, their paid and family carers, service-managers, and Speech and Language Therapists. Once developed the treatment will be tested to see if it improves communication for adults with intellectual disabilities.
The study has two stages. Stage one involves identifying core factors using a behaviour change approach then working with stakeholders to develop the treatment manual. Interviews and an approach called Q methodology will be used to gain different views of the treatment content, format and delivery.
Stage two involves testing the treatment with a small number of patients (maximum 5), referred to speech and language therapy for communication support. Treatment is expected to last no more than 16 weeks.
This study is part of a PhD project at the University of Sheffield and will be carried out between May 2021 and November 2023 within a NHS intellectual and developmental disability community service in the East Midlands.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/YH/0100
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion