Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of humanistic counselling in schools for young people with emotional distress (ETHOS): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

摘要: One in ten children Britain have been identified as experiencing a diagnosable mental health disorder. School-based humanistic counselling (SBHC) may help young people identify, address, and overcome psychological distress. Data from four pilot trials suggest that SBHC be clinically effective. However, fully powered randomised controlled trial (RCT) is needed to provide robust test of its effectiveness, assess cost-effectiveness, determine the process change. The Effectiveness Cost-effectiveness Trial Humanistic Counselling Schools (ETHOS) two-arm, parallel-group RCT comparing clinical cost-effectiveness with Pastoral Care Usual (PCAU) school settings. Eligibility criteria for include being between 13 16 years age moderate severe levels emotional Participants are receive either or PCAU. delivered up 10 weekly, individual sessions their qualified, experienced counsellor who has also received training using practice manual. Adherence model assessed by sub-team auditors supervision. PCAU consists schools’ pre-existing systems supporting well-being students. primary outcomes distress measured Young Person’s Clinical Outcomes Routine Evaluation (YP-CORE) costs evaluated Client Service Receipt Inventory (CSRI). Secondary difficulties, depression, anxiety self-esteem, well-being, engagement, educational achievement personal goals. Qualitative interviews participants, parents staff will look identify mechanisms change SBHC. Researchers administering measures blind allocation. requires n = 306 participants (n 153 each group), 90% power detect standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.5. An intention-to-treat analysis undertaken. This meaningful differences, make major contribution evidence base provision adolescents. It implications all stakeholders, including policy-makers, statutory advisory bodies child welfare, head teachers, practitioners, welfare parenting organisations, people. Controlled Trials International Standard Randomised Number (ISRCTN) Registry, ID: ISRCTN10460622 . Registered on 11 May 2016.