ABSTRACT Background Alcohol‐related liver disease (ArLD) is a public health concern that requires multidisciplinary interventions. Digital health tools may improve retention in alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment and enhance health outcomes. This study explores a blended intervention (brief intervention plus a serious game (SG) based on motivational interviewing and cognitive‐behavioural therapy) on AUD in patients with ArLD. Methods Randomised, single‐blinded controlled trial on patients with recent‐onset ArLD and AUD. Brief intervention plus the SG was compared to standard addiction therapy. Primary outcomes were AUD treatment retention and adherence at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included liver disease progression, alcohol use patterns, quality of life, functionality, motivational changes and usability. Results Seventy‐nine patients (mean age 56, MELD‐Na 14) were included. Participants in the intervention arm were three times more likely to remain in treatment at month six than those in the control arm (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.24; 82.9% vs. 47.4% of engagement respectively) and attended 50% more appointments. Effect sizes (Cohen's D) were moderate for adherence at months three and six (0.51–0.64). At 6 months, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease Sodium (MELD‐Na) scores were lower in the experimental group (12 vs. 16, p < 0.001). Among baseline drinkers, alcohol consumption decreased more in the intervention group at month one (11 vs. 6 Standard Drink Units (SDU)/day, p = 0.031). Conclusion The blended intervention increases engagement with AUD treatment, reduces the amount of consumed alcohol and improves MELD‐Na scores. These results support the use of digital tailored interventions for AUD in these patients.
Oliveras et al. (Mon,) studied this question.