The ChUSE trial - improving access to psychological therapies for children with distressing sensory experiences in NHS CAMHS: a randomised controlled feasibility trial protocol.

Abstract

Distressing sensory experiences (DSEs) are commonly reported by children and young people accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the UK. Despite their prevalence, evidence-based tailored interventions for this population are scarce. The ChUSE trial aims to address this gap by evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of a novel brief talking therapy for children aged 8-16 years and an accompanying parent coaching programme. A single-blind, two-arm randomised controlled feasibility trial will be conducted across three National Health Service trusts in Greater Manchester, UK. Sixty young people under the care of CAMHS experiencing DSEs and their parents/caregivers will be randomised 1:1 to receive either treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU plus the ChUSE intervention. The intervention involves four child therapy sessions and three optional parent sessions. Primary feasibility outcomes include recruitment and retention rates, treatment adherence and intervention safety. Secondary objectives assess the feasibility of data collection procedures and gather qualitative insights into trial acceptability and the influence of the intervention on young people's well-being. The ChUSE Trial has received ethical approval through the Health Research Authority following review by the West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee specialising in paediatric research (ID 327343). The feasibility trial addresses a significant clinical gap in CAMHS provision and will also capture information as to current TAU practices, contributing novel data to guide future service provision as TAU is currently understood to be heterogeneous. The information gathered through this trial will inform the design of a definitive trial evaluating the clinical effectiveness and cost-consequences of an early, age-appropriate intervention for DSEs. Findings and translational outputs will be shared through scientific and public forums to reach a variety of audiences. ISRCTN12245618.