Focus groups for ICE in NAFLD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Engaging patients, families and healthy young people in design of a study intending to use intermittent cold exposure as a therapy in non alcoholic fatty liver disease
IRAS ID
268316
Contact name
Catherine Williamson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
This research is primarily to determine attitudes and likely engagement in both patient and control groups for a planned future study. The condition, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in question is the most common liver disease in both adults and children. There are many emerging drug therapies for NAFLD but at considerable cost in terms of potential side effects. We propose a novel treatment - intermittent cold exposure (ICE) - which has been shown in animal models to re-set metabolism and decrease amount of liver fat in those treated. We hypothesise that those with most to gain from the treatment and those most likely to respond are children and young adults. As this is a relatively novel approach, prior to embarking on our final study plan we wish to gain an insight into the true feasibility of the therapy in this group. We will do that using a combination of qualitative methods including surveys, focus groups and direct interviewing The data collected will allow us plan the most effective and potentially most workable trial in this patient group.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
19/WS/0165
Date of REC Opinion
6 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion