Information for participants

Participant information about the 'Evaluation of a modular alcohol reduction smartphone application (Drink Less)' study

Before you decide whether or not to take part in this study it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please read the following information and email us if anything is unclear or if you would like more information.

1. The purpose of the study and eligibility
   This study aims to evaluate a smartphone application (Drink Less) to help people reduce their alcohol consumption. We want to learn about the effectiveness of different intervention components and users’ experiences with using the app. You must be over 18 years old to be eligible for this study.
2. What will happen if you decide to take part?
   The programme will randomly allocate you into a group, and you will receive a number of different intervention components, which will be based on a combination of evidence-based behaviour change techniques. You will be encouraged to use the app daily, to use the different intervention components of the app and to monitor your drinking. If you provide us with your email address, we will email you to ask questions about the app and your drinking 3 months from today.
3. Possible risks or discomfort
   There are no possible risks or discomfort to you for taking part.
4. Possible benefits
   Reducing your drinking levels has a number of health and financial benefits, amongst others.
5. Financial considerations
   There are no financial costs to you for taking part.
6. Confidentiality
   All data from this study will be treated as strictly confidential and handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. For your protection, we will assign you a unique number that will be used to label all information. Results of this study will be written up for scientific publications, PhD thesis and conference presentations. Results will be available upon request via e-mail (c.garnett.12@ucl.ac.uk or david.crane.13@ucl.ac.uk), and through open access scientific literature. Any records or data obtained as a result of your participation may be checked by the group that oversees research to make sure that human participants are protected.
7. Termination of research study
   You are free to choose whether or not to take part in this study. You can choose to stop participating at any time without giving a reason.
8. Ethics review
   This study has been approved by University College London's Psychology and Language Sciences Departmental Ethics Committee (Project ID: CEHP/2013/508). Principal Investigator: Professor Susan Michie (s.michie@ucl.ac.uk)
9. Further information and contact details
   If you would like to receive any further information or have any questions, please contact Professor Susan Michie (s.michie@ucl.ac.uk), Claire Garnett (c.garnett.12@ucl.ac.uk) or David Crane (david.crane.13@ucl.ac.uk).
10. Comments or concerns during the study
    If you have any comments or concerns you should discuss these with the Principal Investigator (s.michie@ucl.ac.uk). If you wish to complain further, you should email the Chair of the UCL Committee for the Ethics of Non-NHS Human Research (gradschoolhead@ucl.ac.uk) who will take the complaint forward as necessary.
11. ‘Invitation to consent’ text
    If you do not want to take part in this study, please close the app now. If you would like to take part, please indicate that you consent to do so. By tapping on the consent button below you are indicating that:
12. • You have read the information pages, had an opportunity to ask questions, and are happy that you understand the study and what it involves for you.
    • You realise that you can withdraw from the study at any time.
    • You agree that the findings of the study can be published but that you will not be identified.
    All the information you provide will be treated as strictly confidential and handled in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.