Voices Impact Scale (VIS): Evaluation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Voices Impact Scale (VIS): A test of the psychometric properties of a new outcome measure of psychological interventions targeting voices.
IRAS ID
196683
Contact name
C Strauss
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sussex
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Despite the proliferation of psychological interventions for distressing voices there is a lack of consensus about primary outcome measurement. That is, different research trials use different ways of defining and measuring their primary outcome. Moreover, trials typically include measures of physical characteristics of voices (e.g. frequency, duration, loudness) which is in contrast to the primary aims of reducing distress and improving quality of life, the supposed aim of cognitive behaviour therapy for distressing voices (Birchwood & Trower, 2006). \n\nThe lack of consensus about outcome measurement and the fact that we are potentially measuring inappropriate outcomes has hampered attempts to assess the effectiveness of psychological interventions for distressing voices.\n\nWe have developed a new measure that aims to be used to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological intervention for voices. This measure has been developed using a Delphi process that involved consultation with researchers, clinicians and those with lived experience. The Delphi process determined which constructs this measure should try to quantify, as well as generating items and evaluating these. The measure we have now needs to be validated, to enable its use in evaluating therapies for voices.\n\nThis study is in two stages. The first stage will involve participant completing a brief package of questionnaires, including our new measure. These will be completed anonymously. The second stage will involve different participants completing the same package of questionnaires, except some items from the new measure will likely have been eliminated following the first stage.\n
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0446
Date of REC Opinion
7 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion