Exploring stakeholders’ views of a new eating disorder care pathway and education program in a general mental health ward.

Abstract

Recognising the lack of detection and treatment of eating disorders for consumers with concurrent mental health disorders within their general mental health inpatient unit, a dedicated team successfully implemented a whole of unit innovative model of care, to better support consumers and clinicians. The mental health team designed, implemented and evaluated a pragmatic evidence based screening and care pathway, alongside a staff education program, to improve identification and treatment access for consumers with eating disorders. The eating disorder care pathway and staff education program was viewed positively by the consumers and health professionals involved. This unique model, including articulated care pathways, was perceived to have improved the confidence and skills of clinicians and resulted in better health outcomes for people experiencing eating disorders.