The 'AlcoChange' App Helps Users Monitor Their Drinking Habits
Katherine Pendrill — June 17, 2016 — Tech
References: royalfree.nhs.uk & munchies.vice
Researchers at University College London recently developed an app called 'AlcoChange' that helps users monitor their drinking habits and warns them when they are consuming too much.
The app is currently being trailed at the Royal Free Hospital in London with patients suffering from alcohol-related liver disease. The app works by using a smartphone-compatible breathalyzer to monitor alcohol levels. Patients are also encouraged to record the number of drinks they have consumed directly in the app. The information is then matched with data about excessive drinking to "establish the most effective times to send patients messages reminding them not to drink." The app also sends messages to hospital staff to help them keep an eye on their patients.
With alcohol-related liver disease becoming a growing concern, apps such as AlcoChange could serve as a powerful tool in combating overconsumption.
The app is currently being trailed at the Royal Free Hospital in London with patients suffering from alcohol-related liver disease. The app works by using a smartphone-compatible breathalyzer to monitor alcohol levels. Patients are also encouraged to record the number of drinks they have consumed directly in the app. The information is then matched with data about excessive drinking to "establish the most effective times to send patients messages reminding them not to drink." The app also sends messages to hospital staff to help them keep an eye on their patients.
With alcohol-related liver disease becoming a growing concern, apps such as AlcoChange could serve as a powerful tool in combating overconsumption.
Trend Themes
1. Personal Health Monitoring - The 'AlcoChange' app is part of the trend towards personal health monitoring, allowing users to track and manage their alcohol consumption.
2. Mobile Breathalyzer Technology - Apps like 'AlcoChange' highlight the trend of integrating mobile breathalyzer technology into smartphone applications for easy alcohol monitoring.
3. Behavioral Awareness and Intervention - With the use of apps like 'AlcoChange' and data analysis, there is an opportunity for behavioral awareness and intervention in managing alcohol consumption.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare Technology - The development of alcohol intake-monitoring apps like 'AlcoChange' creates opportunities for healthcare technology companies to innovate in personal health monitoring and preventative care.
2. Digital Health - The 'AlcoChange' app is an example of disruptive innovation in the digital health industry, using smartphone-compatible breathalyzer technology to provide real-time alcohol monitoring.
3. Mobile Application Development - The rise of alcohol intake-monitoring apps presents opportunities for mobile application developers to create user-friendly and effective tools for alcohol management and tracking.
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