Parental evaluation of treatment outcome and satisfaction with an inpatient program for eating disorders

This study is concerned with the service provided to adolescent patients with eating disorders admitted to a private hospital. The patients' parents were asked to evaluate the service. Parental satisfaction was assessed by means of a questionnaire devised for this purpose and comments were elicited as to how the service could be improved. Parents of a consecutive series of 56 patients were asked to complete the questionnaire 6 months after admission; 82% (N = 46) responded. Most parents were pleased with the service provided but nevertheless many made some criticisms (35%) or suggestions for improvement (37%). The parental responses were discussed with the staff involved in treatment, resulting in changes to the service.