More randomised controlled studies in speech and language therapy

doi:10.1136/bmj.323.7314.645

BMJ 2001;323:645-646 ( 22 September )

Editorials

More randomised controlled studies in speech and language therapy

Complex behavioural interventions can be evaluated

Papers p 658

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Randomised controlled trials remain the most widely accepted way of evaluating new treatments. Clinical services such as speechand language therapy, however, have been particularly reluctantto produce randomised controlled trials as evidence of efficacyof treatment. ¹ ² An evidence base is emerging for the efficacyof a number of speech and language therapy interventions, especiallyin dysphasia, stammering, laryngectomy, and dysphonia.³ Mostinterventions, however, have been evaluated by uncontrolled beforeand after comparisons. One of the first randomised controlledtrials in speech and language therapy to evaluate voice therapyin dysphonia appears in this issue.⁴ This trial shows thatit is possible to design and carry out randomised controlled trialsto examine complex behaviouralinterventions.

Randomised controlled studies are difficult to apply in some areas⁵; the limitations of such trials in general medicine,surgery, and behavioural therapies are well documented. ² ⁶ ⁷ Researchers in speech and language therapy have been reluctant. . . [Full text of this article]

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Is voice therapy an effective treatment for dysphonia? A randomised controlled trial: Kenneth MacKenzie, Audrey Millar, Janet A Wilson, Cameron Sellars, and Ian J Deary
BMJ 2001 323: 658. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]