Implementing Canadian practice guidelines for children and adolescents with eating disorders: a qualitative study on...

In Canada, access to timely, evidence-based care for eating disorders is limited, with long wait times and fragmented services. Clinical practice guidelines can improve consistency and quality of care, but successful implementation remains limited. Canadian practice guidelines and a virtual care addendum have been developed for the treatment of youth with eating disorders (EDs). This study aims to qualitatively seek perspectives on the barriers, facilitating factors and implementation strategies from various interested parties.

One semi-structured qualitative focus group was conducted in each of nine Canadian provinces. Focus groups consisted of a combination of clinicians, administrators, and individuals with lived experience who elaborated upon barriers and facilitating factors to guideline uptake as well as possible strategies to enhance implementation. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using conventional content analysis.

Findings suggested that participants found it difficult to implement guideline recommendations due to a myriad of factors such as a lack of external resources and minimal training in guideline recommended therapies. Facilitating factors of uptake included support from leadership and explicit training on guideline therapies. Potential implementation strategies included the creation of adapted versions for families and healthcare professionals, as well as enhanced education materials.

The findings of this study indicate areas within healthcare provision that can be enhanced and expanded upon to further enhance the uptake of the Canadian practice guidelines for children and adolescents with eating disorders.