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A Program-Led Motivational App (MI-Coach: ED) for Eating Disorder Waitlists: Findings From a Feasibility and
Amané Halicki-Asakawa1, Emily Fuller1, Maya Libben1
1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|February 6, 2026
Summary
This pilot study found the MI-Coach: ED mobile app acceptable for individuals awaiting eating disorder (ED) treatment. However, system-level recruitment challenges and variable user engagement impacted its feasibility.
Area of Science:
- Digital health interventions
- Eating disorder treatment
- Mental health technology
Background:
- Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) face significant barriers to accessing timely care.
- Digital interventions can enhance pre-treatment engagement during high-risk waiting periods.
- Mobile apps offer a scalable solution to support individuals awaiting ED treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of MI-Coach: ED, a mobile app designed for individuals awaiting ED treatment.
- To assess the app's ability to support motivation and engagement during the pre-treatment phase.
- To identify system-level and user-level factors influencing the implementation of digital ED interventions.
Main Methods:
- A 4-week single-arm pilot trial involving 23 female-identifying individuals on ED clinic waitlists.
- The MI-Coach: ED app delivered motivational interviewing-informed content via modules with exercises, psychoeducation, and videos.
- Feasibility assessed by recruitment, engagement, and retention; acceptability measured by user ratings and the Technology Acceptance Model.
Main Results:
- Service-provider recruitment feasibility was low (6% site participation).
- Participant engagement showed 67.6% initiation and 44% completion of at least four modules.
- Users rated the app positively for quality, ease of use, and usefulness, with observed improvements in motivation and reductions in ED/depressive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- MI-Coach: ED demonstrated acceptability among engaged users, but feasibility was limited by recruitment and variable engagement.
- Engagement levels were lower than general mental health apps but aligned with existing digital ED intervention research.
- Findings will guide refinements for a future randomized controlled trial of this digital intervention for eating disorders.
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