Meal support intervention for eating disorders: a mixed-methods systematic review

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Mealtimes are critical periods of distress for individuals with eating disorders.
• Maladaptive coping mechanisms like food hiding and distraction are common during meals.
• Existing interventions require systematic evaluation for efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and evaluate evidence for meal support interventions.
• To assess meal support as a potential first-line treatment for eating disorders.
• To identify gaps in current research and practice.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of six databases in January 2024.
• Inclusion of studies on eating disorders and meal support/supervision.
• Quality appraisal of included studies.

Main Results:

• Ten studies met the inclusion criteria.
• Meal support was delivered individually and in groups, by carers and clinicians.
• Studies encompassed diverse age groups, diagnoses, and settings (inpatient, community, home).
• Varied methodologies were employed, including chart audits, cohort studies, interviews, video analysis, and surveys.

Conclusions:

• Meal support interventions appear suitable and beneficial for diverse eating disorder patients.
• A lack of standardized frameworks and manualized approaches necessitates further development.
• Co-designed approaches, adequate training, and rigorous evaluation are crucial for optimizing meal support interventions.