Authors' objectives: Around two thirds of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) have problems with their speech. However, in the UK, less than a third of these people are offered speech and language therapy (PUK Membership Survey 2008). The lack of concrete evidence of any benefit of therapy is a barrier to the commissioning of the service. We propose to address this problem by following the HTA brief to evaluate the effectiveness and value for money of speech and language therapy (including the 2 types of therapy most frequently used in the NHS currently) compared with a standard care control group (of no treatment). To do this a physician, nurse or research facilitator will ask people with PD who feel they have difficulty with their speech or voice (or perhaps their carer feels they have problems) to take part in a study. Once the person has consented to take part, we will use a computer to decide which group they will be asked to join. The three groups will be: Lee Silverman Voice Treatment. This will be delivered through face to face sessions with one therapist, usually in the speech therapy clinic. Treatment will be delivered for 50 minutes, 4 times a week for 4 weeks, with a focus on vocal loudness. Traditional NHS therapy. This is more variable but is commonly 6 - 8 sessions, once a week, in the speech and language therapy clinic. Standard care for PD but with no therapy referral during the study (approx 1 year). All participants will be asked to complete assessments at the start, 3, 6 and 12 months later. Their carer (or relative) will also be asked to complete a questionnaire at the same 4 time-points. The assessments will cover general ability to communicate and the general effects on their well-being. The study team will compare treatment with the control, and then explore the two different speech and language therapy treatments. The costs and value for money will also be examined.

Project Status: Ongoing

URL for project: http://www.nets.nihr.ac.uk/projects/hta/1013502

Anticipated Publish Date: 2021

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme

Contact Address: NIHR Journals Library, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre, Alpha House, University of Southampton Science Park, Southampton SO16 7NS, UK

Contact Name: journals.library@nihr.ac.uk

Contact Email: journals.library@nihr.ac.uk

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