Pilot Study of Group Telehealth Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy for Adults with Refractory Chronic Cough

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of behavioral cough suppression therapy BCST delivered in a group telehealth setting for adults with refractory chronic cough RCC. RCC is defined as a cough lasting at least 8 weeks that has not improved with standard medical treatment. The study aims to see if BCST, a treatment provided by specialty-trained speech-language pathologists SLPs, can be effectively delivered remotely to improve accessibility, especially for patients in rural areas with limited access to trained SLPs. Participants will receive BCST in a group format via telehealth, conducted by specialty-trained SLPs. The therapy focuses on managing and suppressing chronic cough behaviorally. The study includes 4 to 6 treatment sessions, held once per week. There are no placebo or comparator groups, as the study evaluates this intervention delivered remotely. The study is classified as an early phase 1 trial. During the study, participants will complete assessments including the Leicester Cough Questionnaire at baseline, one week after treatment, and one month post-treatment. They will also rate their cough severity using the Patient Global Impression of Severity Scale during each treatment session and at one month after treatment. Participants will be monitored for changes in cough severity and treatment impact over time. The total participation duration spans the treatment period plus follow-up assessments up to one month after treatment ends.

Group Telehealth Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy