Exploring the 'alcoholic' in ALD - version 1.0

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  'Alcohol, my liver and me': exploring patient views of the 'alcoholic' in Alcoholic Liver Disease.

• IRAS ID

  205412

• Contact name

  Karen Susan Murray

• Contact email

  karen.murray@ulh.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  De Montfort University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  6 years, 0 months, 0 days

• Research summary

  Study summary

  Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is on the increase in the UK and while it is associated with alcoholism, the amount that those with ALD drink varies. Little is known about the experience of having ALD therefore; this research seeks to explore how do the lives of heavy drinkers change, once they have been diagnosed with Alcoholic liver disease.

  This is a longitudinal qualitative study and data collection will comprise unstructured interviews with patients diagnosed with ALD. These patients will be recruited to the study from those attending ALD clinics in two rural general hospitals. Purposive sampling of patients diagnosed with Alcoholic liver disease, age 18 and over (no upper age limit), male, female or other, attending hospital Outpatient, Gastroenterology or Hepatology clinics for Consultant Physician follow-up. Planned size of sample: 8-10 respondents.

  Data collection will take place at two time points: at baseline (first interview) and 12 months following to explore: 1) life and the continuum of experience and meaning of living with alcohol-related liver disease and; 2) patient beliefs about their illness in context with alcoholism.

  Using existential-phenomenology as a paradigm to conceptualise and explore lived experience, outcomes include recommendations for future studies exploring associations between patient experience and improved clinical outcomes, an understanding of patient support needs and quality of care.

  Follow-up duration: 1 year
  Planned study period: April 2016-June 2022

• REC name

  East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  16/EM/0446

• Date of REC Opinion

  15 Nov 2016

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion