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[summary] Public involvement in alcohol research | Alcohol Research UK

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Key points

  • “Public involvement is not simple, but creating stronger links between universities, services, volunteers, and individuals with lived experiences is essential if the work we fund is to continue to help improve lives.” —Dr James Nicholls, Director of Research and Policy Development, Alcohol Research UK
  • Public involvement can be applied to all stages of research: Research strategy; Funding allocation; Development of research plans and proposals; Carrying out primary research; Data analysis and interpretation; Peer review; Communication and dissemination
  • Recommendations:
    – Make it fit: The level and nature of public involvement in a given research project should be appropriate to the subject
    – Invest time in building relationships
    – Try to find common language that everyone is comfortable with
    – It is important to manage expectations. Public involvement does not guarantee the success of a research project
    – Provide remuneration and reimburse expenses

Source: http://alcoholresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Alcohol-Research-UK-Public-Involvement-Report-FINAL.pdf

Note: Here is an outline of some ways the public has contributed to addiction research from Alcohol Research UK’s spring event on this topic. ■

UK alcohol rehabs let down older people

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Three out of four residential alcohol treatment facilities exclude older adults by imposing an age limit, while lack of disabled access often creates physical barriers.

Some older adults found living with younger residents was enriching, while others found the “generation gap” more of a challenge, according to the study by Alcohol Research UK.

Some felt bullied, intimidated or upset by ageist language and attitudes. At the same time “age blindness” sometimes means needs are not met.

Alcohol producers quietly lower health labelling standard

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Alcohol producers have quietly adopted a lower standard for consumer health information on labels, no longer committing to mention the official weekly guidelines for low-risk consumption.

“We are greatly disappointed that the British alcohol industry is setting their bar lower and lower,” says Mariann Skar of Eurocare, a European consortium hoping to cut alcohol harm. But she says it is “not surprising” given its stiff resistance to minimum pricing and other measures.

The low-key move was coordinated by Portman Group, which coordinates the UK alcohol industry’s efforts to minimise problems. Skar says it should follow the lead of Brewers of Europe, a European beer suppliers consortium implementing a voluntary health labelling scheme.

It is a “massive policy change”, according to another seasoned observer. In practice, however, alcohol producers have long ignored their undertaking to include the guideline maximum, with only one label in 300 including it earlier this year.

The lower standard emerged from consultation with four industry bodies: the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM), the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), and the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

The problem is that cider labels are too small to include the official recommendation of keeping under 14 units a week to minimise risk, said the NACM. An optional label which mentions it contains 17 words compared to the six words used in ones which do not.

“We feel this is a balanced approach that gives producers the option of printing the guidelines on product labels or signalling ongoing support for health and lifestyle information by directing consumers to the Drinkaware website,” said the BBPA. Drinkaware is funded by alcohol producers and criticised for downplaying risks.

“Labelling remains an important way to sign-post consumers to a greater variety information in a way that is fit for purpose and relevant to how people now consume information,” said Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA, explaining the move online.

Around 80% of UK consumers are dissatisfied with the amount of information provided on the labels of alcoholic drinks according to the World Health Organisation (see chart). ■