Evolving Profiles of Eating Disorder Admissions Before, During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

While community-based care is the focus for eating disorder treatment, those with acute and severe illness require inpatient options. During and following the pandemic, there has been noted a rising incidence and prevalence of these disorders; however, the impact on access to specialist inpatient care is unknown. This study investigates the demand for admissions to an adult acute Specialist Eating Disorder Inpatient Unit (SEDIU) in Australia by comparing changes in admission characteristics before, during and after the pandemic.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 212 patient admissions to a SEDIU over 2019-2023, before, during, and after the pandemic. Data included waitlist duration and care, patient characteristics and clinical and patient-reported outcome measures at admission and discharge.

There was a significant increase in waitlist duration; mean duration post-pandemic more than doubled compared to pre-pandemic (p < 0.001). There was a notable rise in outpatient service and emergency department contacts during the waitlist period (p = 0.004 and p = 0.020, respectively). Although no significant differences were observed in physiological markers at admission, the number of comorbidities increased significantly from pre- to post-pandemic (p = 0.010).

The increase in waitlist durations and number of comorbidities suggests an increasing demand on SEDIU services, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced resources and integration of eating disorder services.

This study provides insights into the challenges facing eating disorder services, emphasising the necessity for expanded capacity, models of care to engage and reduce barriers for those from minority backgrounds and ensuring expansion of access to early intervention to reduce growth in demand for hospitalisation for eating disorders. Addressing these challenges is vital to ensure timely support for patients with eating disorders.