Care Experiences of Young People with Eating Disorders and Their Parents: Qualitative Study

Overview

Journal BJPsych Open

Publisher Cambridge University Press

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2019 Feb 15

PMID 30762506

Citations 17

Authors

Oana Mitrofan

Hristina Petkova

Astrid Janssens

Jonathan Kelly

Eve Edwards

Dasha Nicholls

Fiona McNicholas

Mima Simic

Ivan Eisler

Tamsin Ford

Sarah Byford

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Perspectives of young people with eating disorders and their parents on helpful aspects of care should be incorporated into evidence-based practice and service design, but data are limited.AimsTo explore patient and parent perspectives on positive and negative aspects of care for young people with eating disorders.

Method: Six online focus groups with 19 young people aged 16-25 years with existing or past eating disorders and 11 parents.

Results: Thematic analysis identified three key themes: the need to (a) shift from a weight-focused to a more holistic, individualised and consistent care approach, with a better balance in targeting psychological and physical problems from an early stage; (b) improve professionals' knowledge and attitude towards patients and their families at all levels of care from primary to 'truly specialist'; (c) enhance peer and family support.

Conclusions: Young people and parents identified an array of limitations in approaches to care for young people with eating disorders and raised the need for change, particularly a move away from a primarily weight-focused treatment and a stronger emphasis on psychological needs and individualised care.Declaration of interestNone.

Citing Articles

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Davey E, Allen K, Bennett S, Bryant-Waugh R, Clarke T, Cooper Z Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2023; 31(5):577-595.

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