Improving collaborative care in managing eating disorders: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Education
• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Eating Disorder Management

Background:

• Pilot study evaluated an interprofessional educational workshop on eating disorders in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Assessed feasibility for broader implementation using a novel conceptual model.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the impact of a continuing interprofessional educational workshop on eating disorders.
• Determine the feasibility of wider implementation of the eating disorder workshop.

Main Methods:

• A 2-day workshop was delivered to 41 health and education professionals.
• Pre-post measures assessed interprofessional attitudes, skills, knowledge, confidence, and intention to change practice.
• A 6-month follow-up survey measured self-reported practice change.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements observed in interprofessional attitudes, skills, knowledge, and confidence regarding eating disorder collaborative care.
• 69% intended to change practice post-workshop; 70% reported practice changes at follow-up.
• Low follow-up response rate noted as a limitation.

Conclusions:

• The workshop positively impacted knowledge, confidence, attitudes, and practice change in managing eating disorders.
• Results support province-wide implementation of this interprofessional education program.