Abreast of Health: Phase 2 – v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Lifestyle and Alcohol Information Needs in Breast Health Services: Phase 2
IRAS ID
227642
Contact name
Julia Sinclair
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
26455, Southampton ERGO number
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
The Chief Medical Officers have updated the national alcohol guidelines reflecting new scientific evidence that risks of alcohol on health are dose-dependent, and that there is no ‘safe’ level of alcohol consumption. Public awareness of this recent evidence needs to be raised to all types of alcohol consumers, whether light or heavy drinkers, in order to reduce alcohol intake across the whole population. Evidence shows that people are more receptive to health improvement advice and to make positive changes in their lifestyle when facing significant health events. This has been described as ‘readiness to learn’.
We propose to explore acceptability and feasibility of an opportunistic alcohol brief intervention (ABI) delivered electronically to women during breast clinics (symptomatic breast clinics or screening mammogram NHSBSP), when women may wish to know what they can do to minimise their risks from alcohol, capitalising on the heightened receptivity provided by the context of breast clinic waiting areas.
We propose an early-phase study to determine women’s information needs; how tailored and supportive public health messages can be provided; and what tools can help women to develop a into longer-term motivation to reduce alcohol consumption. We will do this using a range of research methods (survey, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups). Patients, clinicians and public health specialists will be involved throughout in the design of the intervention.
Ethical approval for this research is sought in three phases, as the nature of our research means that data from each research activity will determine the design of every subsequent activity. The present Phase 2 application follows an initial application regarding questionnaire research, and is strictly for the focus groups planned as part of this programme. Subject to approval, this application will be followed by one final application for the intervention prototype testing and follow-up.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0953
Date of REC Opinion
10 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion