Dataset Information

Clinicians' perspectives on supporting individuals with severe anorexia nervosa in specialist eating disorder intensive treatment settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected intensive treatment settings (i.e., inpatient [IP] and day patient [DP]) in specialist eating disorder services. However, the impact on clinicians working in these services is largely unknown. We therefore explored the perspectives of those supporting individuals with severe anorexia nervosa (AN) in intensive treatment settings during the pandemic.

Methods

Between May 2020 and June 2021, we interviewed clinicians (n = 21) who delivered IP and/or DP treatment to patients with severe AN in four specialist eating disorder services in the United Kingdom. Data relating to experiences during COVID-19 were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

We identified six themes: Disruptions to Routine Treatment; Introduction of Virtual Treatment; Separation from Treatment, Others and the World; Impact on Recovery; Impact on Staff; and Pressure on Referral Pathways. COVID-19 posed significant challenges to IP and DP services: forcing closures, operating with restrictions and virtual treatment, and impacting delivery of essential treatment components, referral pathways, clinician wellbeing, risk management, and patient isolation and recovery trajectories. Opportunities arose, in particular in DP services offering virtual support.

Conclusions

COVID-19 challenged the continuation of multidisciplinary treatment. The findings underline the necessity for medical, psychological, practical, and nutritional support, as well as carer involvement and fostering social connections to remain at the forefront of intensive treatment for severe AN. They also emphasise the uncertainty surrounding which intensive treatment may be best suited to which patient when, particularly within the context of virtual DP support.

SUBMITTER: Webb H

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8867458 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Clinicians' perspectives on supporting individuals with severe anorexia nervosa in specialist eating disorder intensive treatment settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Webb Hannah H Dalton Bethan B Irish Madeleine M Mercado Daniela D McCombie Catherine C Peachey Gemma G Arcelus Jon J Au Katie K Himmerich Hubertus H Johnston A Louise AL Lazarova Stanimira S Pathan Tayeem T Robinson Paul P Treasure Janet J Schmidt Ulrike U Lawrence Vanessa V

Journal of eating disorders 20220224 1

<h4>Background</h4>The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected intensive treatment settings (i.e., inpatient [IP] and day patient [DP]) in specialist eating disorder services. However, the impact on clinicians working in these services is largely unknown. We therefore explored the perspectives of those supporting individuals with severe anorexia nervosa (AN) in intensive treatment settings during the pandemic.<h4>Methods</h4>Between May 2020 and June 2021, we interviewed clinicians (n = 21) ...[more]

PMID: 35209957

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundAdmissions to intensive treatment (i.e., inpatient [IP] and/or day patient [DP]) for individuals with severe anorexia nervosa (AN) are common. Growing literature indicates potential risks and benefits of each intensive treatment approach; however, existing research has focused on patient and carer perspectives of these treatments. Also, there is scant empirical evidence available for guiding the parameters of intensive treatments for AN. We therefore explored clinicians' perspectives and experience of supporting adults with severe AN in intensive settings.MethodsWe conducted twenty one semi-structured interviews with clinicians who deliver intensive treatments (i.e., IP and/or DP) for individuals with severe AN across four specialist Eating Disorder Services in the United Kingdom between May 2020 and June 2021. We asked clinicians about their views and experiences of supporting individuals with severe AN in intensive treatment settings and the challenges and opportunities associated with IP and DP treatment. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis supported by NVivo software.ResultsFive broad and interrelated themes were identified: (1) Intensive Support; (2) The Severity of Patients' Illnesses; (3) Hope and Recovery; (4) Which Treatment When; (5) Limited Resources; and (6) Carer Burden. We identified various similarities between the two intensive treatment approaches, including the value of intensive and multidisciplinary support and carer involvement, and the challenge of managing complex and unique needs in resource-limited intensive settings. We also found differences in the relationship of treatment to patients' home environments, the necessity of patient motivation, and the management of risk.ConclusionsBoth intensive treatment settings are valued by clinicians; however, there are unique challenges and opportunities for supporting individuals with severe AN within each. Our findings suggest DP treatment may be used as an alternative to IP treatment for individuals with severe AN. However, clear questions remain over which intensive treatment setting is best suited to which patient when and should be the focus of future research.

Project description:BackgroundThe OPEN feasibility trial testing olanzapine in anorexia nervosa (AN) in young people (YP) was not successful due to poor recruitment. This study aims to understand clinicians' views and experiences of using olanzapine in AN and the challenges in implementing the trial in National Health Service (NHS) clinical settings.MethodsWe conducted qualitative interviews with eating disorders (ED) clinicians involved with the study (n = 11). Framework analysis was applied to qualitative data to identify barriers and facilitators to recruitment and study implementation. A web-based semi-structured Qualtrics survey was administered to ED clinicians (n = 24). Findings from the survey were used to corroborate and expand on the information derived from qualitative interviews.ResultsQualitative analysis identified four main themes: (1) Acknowledging Service User (SU) / Family Concerns, (2) Prioritising person-centred care, (3) Limited Service Capacity and (4) Study eligibility criteria. Subthemes are outlined accordingly. Clinicians appeared confident addressing SU concerns around olanzapine in clinical discussions, but timing was critical, and olanzapine was considered one aspect of treatment that needed to align with their holistic approach. Service pressures restricted opportunities for recruitment and the ability to offer regular review. At the same time, some YP were ineligible for the trial, as they were already taking olanzapine, or needed to be prescribed it more promptly than the study procedures allowed. Survey findings underlined confidence in prescribing and informing on olanzapine, the various possible benefits of olanzapine besides weight gain, and the importance of therapeutic alliances and informed consent. Both data sets highlight the need for further evidence on long-term safety, side effects and efficacy of olanzapine use for AN. Where clinical service capacity is at a premium, research implementation is not prioritised, particularly in intensive clinical settings.ConclusionsFindings provide first-hand insight into individual and systemic challenges with research implementation in the NHS, which need to be considered when designing future clinical research studies. We emphasise a person-centred approach when discussing olanzapine to consider a holistic recovery from AN beyond weight-gain as an isolated outcome for improvement.

Project description:Background Anorexia nervosa (AN) is often diagnosed in adolescence, and most evidence-based treatments for AN in young people involve the family. Family therapies for AN are intensive, outpatient treatments that utilise the parents as the primary resource in the young person’s recovery. Research regarding family treatment for AN is often conducted in specialist settings—with relatively little data reporting the translation of this specialised treatment into real-world, non-specialist settings. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the efficacy of family treatments for adolescents with AN in specialist settings versus non-specialist settings. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Retrospective cohort studies, pilot studies, case series, randomised controlled trials and qualitative investigations that present original data and investigated the efficacy of family treatments for adolescents with AN in either a specialist or non-specialist setting will be included in the review. Data will be extracted by two reviewers and study quality will be assessed. The primary outcome, change in weight, will be used to determine via meta-analysis and, depending on study heterogeneity, subgroup analysis or meta-regression whether there is a statistically significant subgroup difference between specialist and non-specialist treatment settings. The review will also consider changes in eating disorder symptomology and related constructs. Discussion Results from this review will help determine if there is a difference in the efficacy of family treatments for adolescent AN in specialist versus non-specialist treatment settings, primarily in relation to weight recovery. This, in turn, will inform the translation of evidence-based interventions that are generally studied and implemented within specialist centres into the non-specialist health care system. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40337-022-00645-3.

Project description:IntroductionAnorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe mental health condition associated with high mortality rates and significantly impaired quality of life. National guidelines outline psychotherapeutic interventions as treatments of choice for adults with AN, but outcomes are limited and therapy drop-out high, resulting in calls for new innovative treatments. The Specialist Psychotherapy with Emotion for Anorexia in Kent and Sussex (SPEAKS) research programme sought to develop the SPEAKS intervention avoiding some difficulties inherent in development of earlier interventions, such unclear hypotheses about change processes. SPEAKS focuses on a core hypothesised maintaining factor (emotional experience) with clear proposed model of change. The current feasibility trial aims to provide an initial test of SPEAKS and inform design of a full randomised controlled trial protocol.Methods and analysisThis study employs a multisite, single-arm, within-group, mixed-methods design. Up to 60 participants (36 therapy completers) meeting inclusion criteria will be offered the SPEAKS intervention instead of treatment-as-usual (TAU). SPEAKS is a weekly psychotherapy lasting nine to 12 months, provided by trained and experienced eating disorders therapists. All other clinical input remains inline with TAU. Acceptability will be assessed using VAS scales and end of therapy interview. Reach and recruitment, such as recruitment yield, will be monitored. To support sample size estimation and economic estimation, data pertaining to eating disorder-related symptoms will be recorded every 3 months, alongside service usage and intervention-specific measures. Videoed therapy sessions will inform model adherence. Additional analyses coding videoed therapy will test SPEAKS change process hypotheses.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted by London-Bromley Research Ethics Committee (NHS Rec Reference: 19/LO/1530). Data will be disseminated via high-impact, peer-reviewed journals (Open Access preferred), conferences, service user and charity networks (eg, UK charity BEAT) and through a free open conference hosted by National Health Service Trusts and Higher Education Institutions.Trial registration numberISRCTN11778891.Trial statusRecruitment began on 12 December 2019 and ends on 28 February 2021. All data will be collected and the trial ended by 28 February 2022.Protocol versionSPEAKS protocol V.3.0 (30 August 2020). Changes were made to the original protocol due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A further set of changes were made to incorporate the measures of change processes, resulting in this being the third version of the protocol.

Dataset Information

Clinicians' perspectives on supporting individuals with severe anorexia nervosa in specialist eating disorder intensive treatment settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Clinicians' perspectives on supporting individuals with severe anorexia nervosa in specialist eating disorder intensive treatment settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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