Co-Producing the Transition to Eating Disorder Youth Intervention: Experience-Based Co-Design Workshops Supporting...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Eating disorders (EDs) are severe psychiatric illnesses with high onset rates in adolescence and young adulthood.
• Transitioning from child to adult mental health services poses challenges to continuity of care for youth with EDs.
• The Transition for Eating Disorders Youth intervention (TEDYi) aims to improve this transition through a person-centered, peer-led approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a person-centered, peer-led intervention (TEDYi) for smoother transitions in eating disorder (ED) services.
• To address challenges in care continuity for young people moving between child and adult mental health services.
• To ground the intervention in lived experience, incorporating perspectives of young people, carers, and professionals.

Main Methods:

• Employed Experience-Based Co-Design (EBCD) methodology in the second phase of the TEDYi project.
• Conducted seven co-production workshops involving 37 co-designers (young people, carers, professionals).
• Utilized reflexive thematic analysis for data interpretation and refined insights through Steering Groups.

Main Results:

• Key themes identified: importance of ongoing support ('Being there'), factors influencing transition readiness ('Exploring readiness'), and role of psychoeducation in engagement ('Enhancing engagement').
• Insights guided decisions on intervention delivery format, setting, and materials.
• Co-design process highlighted the value of safe spaces for sharing lived experiences and building community.

Conclusions:

• Experience-Based Co-Design (EBCD) was valued for fostering collaboration and shared goals between young people, carers, and professionals.
• Lived experience interventions in eating disorder (ED) care can lead to more optimal outcomes and recognition for individuals.
• Findings will inform the final TEDYi prototype for piloting in clinical settings, aiming to improve care transitions for youth with EDs.