Background

Wearable transdermal alcohol sensors (TAS) can continuously monitor alcohol consumption by detecting sweat on the skin. This technology could help alcohol treatment services keep track of users during their recovery process.

Objective

The goal of this study was to see if using a TAS is practical for people in alcohol treatment, both with and without additional support called contingency management (CM).

Methods

We conducted a study with 29 participants from three alcohol treatment centers in South London. Participants were divided into two groups: one received standard treatment, while the other received standard treatment plus CM. We looked at how easy it was to enroll participants, how many attended meetings, and how well the TAS worked.

Results

Out of 34 people approached, 32 (94%) agreed to participate. Most participants (91.1%) attended their scheduled meetings. Only one participant (3%) tried to avoid monitoring by turning off the TAS. Most participants returned the device (97%). The TAS was found to be accurate in tracking alcohol consumption compared to self-reported data. Many participants (96%) expressed a willingness to wear the device again for a longer period.

Conclusions

Using a TAS with CM was feasible in this study. For future trials, we recommend simplifying the process for checking TAS data to make it easier for researchers and participants. The current methods for recruiting participants and conducting meetings seem effective for larger studies.

Measurable Outcomes

Clear goals for clinics and patients include:

Improving monitoring of alcohol consumption.
Enhancing participant engagement in treatment.
Increasing the accuracy of alcohol use data.

AI Tools for Clinical Needs

Select AI solutions that are specifically designed to support the monitoring and management of alcohol consumption in clinical settings.

Implementation Steps

Start with a pilot project, track results, and expand based on the findings from the TAS study. This will help understand the real-world impact of using wearable sensors in alcohol treatment.