Table 1

Objectives and outcome measures

Objectives		Outcome measures
Primary	To compare the symptomatic response in patients with persistent throat symptoms (PTS) at the end of 8 weeks of treatment with liquid alginate (Gaviscon Advance) versus placebo	Total Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) at 8 weeks
Secondary	To compare the symptomatic response in patients with PTS at the end of 8 weeks of treatment with a liquid alginate (Gaviscon Advance) versus placebo	RSI omitting the heartburn item at 8 weeks Comprehensive Reflux Symptom Score and its oesophageal, upper airway and pharyngeal subscales at 8 weeks
	To compare the symptomatic response in patients with PTS at 2, 4 and 6 weeks of treatment.	Total RSI at 2, 4 and 6 weeks RSI omitting the heartburn item at 2, 4 and 6 weeks
	To assess investigational medicinal product compliance at the end of 8 weeks of therapy	Participant reported trial medication compliance at 8 weeks
	Participants’ view on which medication they received	Direct question of the participants opinion of whether they were taking Gaviscon Advance or placebo as part of the trial, asked at 8 weeks
	Satisfaction with the trial	Overall Satisfaction Score Questionnaire at 8 weeks Direct question of whether the participant would recommend the trial to family or friends, asked at 8 weeks