Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Exploration of Acceptability of Alcohol Interventions

This study has two main parts. First, it explores how healthcare staff feel about using specific methods to help people with alcohol problems. This helps understand if these methods are easy for staff to use and whether they believe they are helpful. Second, it investigates whether a person’s age, gender, or financial situation affects how likely they are to get involved with an NHS alcohol support service in North West England. The aim is to find out why some individuals might not be getting the support they need, which could help improve services and reduce health differences across the UK.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

2,000

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

10 Jun 2026

Alcohol Misuse Alcohol Use Disorder Behaviour Change Health Behaviour Brief Intervention Outcome Assessment Social Determinants of Health Psychosocial Intervention Socioeconomic Factors Primary Healthcare Primary Heath Care Problem Behavior

What is this study about?

This research wants to understand two important things related to alcohol support. Firstly, it's looking at how healthcare staff feel about using particular ways to help people with alcohol problems. These methods are outlined in something called the 'ITEP Manual', which has been shown to help people change their behaviour. The study wants to know if staff find these methods acceptable, easy to use, and effective. If staff feel good about using these tools, they're more likely to offer help, which is better for patients.

Secondly, the study is investigating if things like a person's age, gender, or their financial and social background affect whether they connect with an NHS alcohol support service in North West England. This part uses existing information, like how much alcohol people report drinking and their demographic details. By understanding who is (and isn't) engaging with services, the researchers hope to identify ways to reach more people who need help.

The overall aim is to improve alcohol support services. If we know why some people don't engage, or why staff might find certain methods challenging, we can make services better and ensure that everyone who needs help can access it. This aligns with the NHS goal of reducing health inequalities and making sure everyone has a fair chance at good health.

Key takeaways

The study helps understand if alcohol support methods are good for staff to use.
It checks if age, gender, or background affect who gets help for alcohol problems.
The research aims to improve NHS alcohol services for everyone.
No new treatments are being tested on patients.
It uses existing patient data and interviews with former staff.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking at information from two groups of people.

For the first part, which involves talking to staff, they are looking for healthcare workers who used to work in the ELHT alcohol care service and were trained to use special talking therapies from the ITEP Manual. These staff members must still be working for ELHT, even if it's in a different role now that the alcohol care service has changed.

For the second part, which looks at patient information, the study will use existing data from people who have engaged with the North West England NHS-led alcohol care service. This will only include data from patients who have not officially asked for their health records to be excluded from research, following NHS rules.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a healthcare worker who used to work for the ELHT alcohol care service?
Were you trained in the ITEP Manual while working there?
Do you still work for ELHT (even in a different role)?
If you're a patient, have you confirmed you have NOT opted out of sharing your NHS data for research?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves looking at existing records and speaking with past healthcare staff, so it's unlikely to involve direct participation from members of the public with alcohol concerns. You would not be asked to attend appointments, take medication, or undergo any new assessments. The study uses information already collected by the NHS or from interviews with former staff. Therefore, the general public would not 'take part' in the traditional sense of a clinical trial.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct risks or benefits to patients with alcohol problems as this study does not involve new treatments or interventions on patients. It aims to improve future services by understanding how current support methods are received by staff and who accesses existing services. The information from this study could lead to better staff training and more effective ways of reaching people with alcohol problems, indirectly benefiting future patients. Participants (staff) are reassured that their contributions will be anonymised where possible to protect their privacy. You always have the right to withdraw from providing information if you are a staff member participating in the qualitative part of the study.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Burnley General Teaching Hospital
Verified postcode
Burnley, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'alcohol misuse'?

Alcohol misuse means drinking alcohol in a way that is harmful or puts you at risk of harm, whether it's regularly drinking too much or binge drinking on occasions.

What is an 'alcohol use disorder'?

This is a medical condition where a person has trouble controlling their drinking, even when it causes problems in their life. It can range from mild to severe.

What is a 'psychosocial intervention'?

This refers to talking therapies or counselling that help people understand and change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to alcohol use. It's often delivered by trained staff.

What does 'acceptability' mean in this study?

It means how healthcare staff feel about using certain methods to help people with alcohol problems – if they find them useful, easy to deliver, and if they believe they work.

Is this study offering new treatment?

No, this study is not offering new treatments. It's looking at how existing alcohol support services and methods work, and who uses them, to help improve them in the future.

How to find out more

Michelle Stephens, Trust Sponsor

research.sponsorship@elht.nhs.uk UK: 07976 152397 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.