Preventing relapse to alcohol in patients with cirrhosis.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
PRAC: Preventing relapse to alcohol in patients with cirrhosis.
IRAS ID
342487
Contact name
Christopher Oldroyd
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Alcohol use is the most important factor in determining the survival of patients with advanced alcohol related liver disease. During an admission to hospital, these patients have a forced period of abstinence and access to specialised care. We know however that patients frequently relapse to alcohol use even in the presence of advanced liver disease.
Little is known about the best ways to help patients with advanced liver disease avoid relapse after a hospital admission. Although there are many strategies available, the evidence for their effectiveness is poor. Moreover, many patients do not access any relapse prevention support at all.
This study aims to establish a consensus around how relapse prevention can be improved for patients who already have advanced liver disease due to alcohol. The study comprises of the following steps:
1. Invite a wide range of stakeholders to provide feedback on the best strategies to help patients with advanced alcohol related liver disease avoid relapse to alcohol.
2. Summarise the survey responses to produce a list of recommendations
3. Conduct a consensus building exercise to prioritise those recommendations for implementation.Each phase of the process will be conducted remotely and online. This will facilitate the widest range of participants and increase the number of potential participants. Stakeholders will be divided into six main groups:
Healthcare professionals specialising in hepatology.
Healthcare professionals specialising in alcohol misuse.
Community based practitioners involved in the care of patients with liver disease and alcohol use disorder. (This includes but is not limited to: GPs, community alcohol services, social services, community nurses.)
Commissioners of treatments and interventions for alcohol use disorder.
Individuals with alcohol-related cirrhosis.
Family members, informal caregivers and friends of patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
24/WS/0112
Date of REC Opinion
11 Sep 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion