Conducting a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial on a Medical Inpatient Unit Utilizing Cognitive Remediation Therapy...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Medical Education

Background:

• Adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) often require medical hospitalization.
• Implementing psychosocial interventions like Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) during general medical stays presents unique challenges.
• Previous research has not extensively explored RCTs of psychosocial interventions on general medical units for eating disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of implementing a pilot randomized control trial (RCT) of CRT for adolescents with AN on a general medical unit.
• To identify necessary protocol modifications for conducting RCTs of psychosocial interventions in this setting.
• To gather stakeholder feedback on the pilot study process.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted on a general medical unit.
• Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) was implemented for adolescents diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN).
• The study involved protocol modifications and stakeholder feedback collection.

Main Results:

• The pilot study successfully demonstrated the feasibility of implementing an RCT for CRT on a general medical unit.
• Modifications to the original protocol were identified and implemented.
• Stakeholder feedback provided valuable insights into the process of conducting such trials.

Conclusions:

• Integrating RCTs for psychosocial interventions like CRT into general medical units for adolescents with AN is feasible.
• Lessons learned from this pilot study can guide the smooth implementation of future therapeutic intervention RCTs on medical units.
• This study provides a foundation for further research on delivering specialized psychological treatments in non-specialized medical settings.