Evaluating Voice Therapy Using the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System for Muscle Tension Dysphonia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether using the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System - Voice Therapy RTSS-Voice to document voice therapy sessions can improve outcomes for patients with muscle tension dysphonia MTD. The study compares patient outcomes between clinicians first and second years of using RTSS-Voice across five voice centers. The study aims to see if adopting RTSS-Voice, which encourages evidence-based practice and improved clinical reasoning, leads to better voice therapy results. Participants will receive standard voice therapy tailored to individual needs, including techniques like applying pressure to the neck, practicing different voicing methods, receiving performance feedback, and learning about therapy concepts. One group involves clinicians new to RTSS-Voice documentation, while the other involves clinicians experienced with RTSS-Voice. Each group includes about 300 patients treated over two years across the centers. Participants will have their voice-related outcomes measured before and immediately after therapy using various tools such as the Voice Health Index, Voice-Related Quality of Life, Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice, GRBAS Scale, and Cepstral Peak Prominence. The study collects patient and clinician reports and tracks the total number of therapy sessions. Researchers will analyze changes within and across sites to assess the effect of RTSS-Voice adoption on voice health.

Voice Therapy Per the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System