Evaluation of the Referral Process and Patterns to a Canadian Specialized Eating Disorders Treatment Program

To describe the referral process and patterns to the Calgary Eating Disorders Program (CEDP).

A retrospective chart review for the study period of May 2014 to May 2016 was completed and a descriptive evaluation of the referral process was outlined.

The results summarize the steps in the referral process from initiation of referral to booking an assessment. The CEDP received 918 referrals during the study period, yet 60% did not materialize into a patient assessment. Regardless of age, the two most common reasons were patients declined treatment and did not meet program criteria. Physicians who refer to the CEDP are mostly female, family physician specialty and from Calgary. Patients referred to the CEDP are predominantly females, have an average age of 25 years and are mainly referred for 'eating disorder symptoms-diagnosis unclear', regardless of age. The majority of patients are not severely ill at the time of referral. More than 50% of patients have psychiatric comorbidities, with depression, anxiety and substance abuse being the most common. The average wait times to the CEDP are 12 weeks.

This is the first study in Canada to assess referral patterns to a specialized eating disorders program. Results from this study have elucidated the reasons for referral fall-through and highlighted areas of improvement in the referral process. Understanding referral trends is a necessary foundation to advance our knowledge of the factors that contribute to referrals materializing into assessments and ultimately optimizing patient care.