Group telehealth therapy for managing chronic cough

Group Telehealth Behavioral Cough Suppression Therapy Pilot Study

This study is testing if group telehealth therapy can help people with a long-lasting cough that hasn't improved with regular treatments.

Quick facts

• Phase: Early Phase 1
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Montana (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Missoula, Montana)
• Trial ID: NCT06706765 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of behavioral cough suppression therapy (BCST) delivered in a group telehealth format for patients suffering from refractory chronic cough (RCC). RCC is characterized by a persistent cough lasting over eight weeks that has not responded to standard treatments. The therapy is administered by specialty-trained speech-language pathologists and aims to improve accessibility for patients, especially those in rural areas with limited access to such specialists. By utilizing telehealth, the study seeks to determine if BCST can be effectively provided to multiple patients simultaneously, enhancing treatment reach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a predominantly dry cough lasting at least eight weeks that has not improved with standard medical treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic lung conditions or those who are current or long-term smokers may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more accessible and effective treatment option for patients with refractory chronic cough.

How similar studies have performed: While telehealth approaches are becoming more common, the specific application of BCST in a group setting for RCC is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 18 years old
* Predominantly dry cough for at least 8 weeks
* Evaluated and treated by at least one physician for cough
* Obtained a chest X-ray or chest CT scan specifically related to the cough with unremarkable results
* Access to a computer or tablet that includes a camera and able to use the device independently
* Reliable internet access
* Willing to agree to maintain confidentiality of personal information (including names) related to others in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under age 18
* Coughing up blood
* Current smoker of any substance
* History of smoking or 10 or more years
* Diagnosed with a chronic lung condition (e.g., COPD, emphysema, lung cancer, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, asthma)? (NOTE: If a patient has been told their cough may be (or is likely) due to asthma but they have not had any formal lung testing and asthma treatments have not helped your cough, we don't consider this a formal asthma diagnosis and will not exclude them from the study.)
* Diagnosed currently or in the past with head and neck cancer (i.e., cancer of the mouth, nose, or throat).
* Complaints of swallowing difficulty
* Taking any of the following medications, which have a known side effect of cough: Benzapril (Lotensin), Captopril (Capoten), Enalapril/Enalaprilat (Vasotec oral and injectable), Fosinopril (Monopril), Lisinopril (Zestril and Prinivil), Moexipril (Univasc), Perindopril (Aceon), Quinapril (Accupril), Ramipril (Altace), and Trandolapril (Mavik)
* Prior BCST treatment with an SLP or respiratory therapist

Where this trial is running

Missoula, Montana

• University of Montana — Missoula, Montana, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Jane E Reynolds, PhD

Conditions Refractory Chronic Cough