Working in liver disease research: the Alcochange study

Staff at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are recruiting people with alcohol-related liver disease to take part in the AlcoChange study into the effectiveness of an alcohol monitoring app to reduce alcohol consumption.  For more information visit the AlcoChange website.

Clinical Research Practitioner Louise Holland explains what is involved in the study and what motivates her to work in liver disease research.

She spoke ahead of Alcohol Awareness Week which raises awareness of the harm caused by alcohol and runs from 3 July to 9 July.

Talk to your healthcare professional about taking part in research or search for studies seeking volunteers and sign up to be contacted about studies at Be Part of Research.

What is this research study about?

It’s a study to see if the AlcoChange app along with an optional breathalyser, which measures how much alcohol is in the air a person breathes out, can help patients with alcohol-related liver disease abstain from or reduce their alcohol consumption. Patients who take part will either continue to receive their usual care or they will receive usual care plus the AlcoChange app and can choose to receive a breathalyser. Both groups will attend 2 study visits over 6 months and complete a questionnaire with a member of the study team over the phone.

What does taking part involve?

This study involves donating blood, urine and saliva samples to our study team. Participants also answer questionnaires about personal alcohol use, current medications and lifestyle questions on the app, which provides positive and motivational messages to the patient. The study is an opportunity to engage with the patients and educate them on the risks and problems associated with alcohol use while highlighting the importance of abstaining from alcohol.

What motivates you to work in research?

I love being part of the intervention we do with patients who have issues with alcohol abuse. When patients are understood and supported in their lifestyle changes, it can mean a huge difference. It’s very rewarding knowing that when you have reached out to help someone, you have made a difference which is what research is all about! 

What would you say to people about considering whether to take part in research? 

Research may not help us as individuals immediately, however, what we do now can impact our families and friends in the near future. Research transforms our future healthcare and helps build a better world for the next generation.

Talk to your healthcare professional about taking part in research or search for studies seeking volunteers and sign up to be contacted about studies at Be Part of Research.