UFVA's 2020 Virtual Conference: A Path Forward

[...]at that point, few board members had experience even with online teaching, let alone online conference attendance. Upon returning to our respective cities, we were contacted by John Lux, executive director of Film Florida, a "not-for-profit entertainment production trade association run by volunteer members that represent all sectors of Florida's film, TV & digital media/tech production industry. "1 John mentioned that the College of Motion Picture Arts at Florida State University (our intended conference site) was a member of his organization, as were many indie professionals and colleges, as well as university film commissions, labor unions, and tourist organizations. If the board was to offer the conference at no cost to the membership, some other adjustment needed to be done in the budget. [...]the board committed to canceling the next year's midyear meeting in order to subsidize some of the cost of the event.

Feasibility and Acceptability of Comprehensive Virtual Treatment in Eating Disorders: Perspectives from Patients, Parents and Therapists During the COVID-19 Pandemic. / Viabilidad y Aceptabilidad del Tratamiento Integral Virtual en Trastornos Alimentarios: Perspectiva de Pacientes, Padres y Terapeutas Durante la Pandemia por COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Lockdowns and social distancing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have brought about the need to continue treatment virtually in patients with Eating Disorders (ED). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate feasibility, acceptability and adherence to virtual treatment in patients, families and therapists. METHODS: Fourteen patients, 10 family members and eight therapists from an intensive outpatient program for ED answered online surveys and a SWOT analysis was performed with the responses. RESULTS: Virtual treatment during lockdown was considered feasible and useful by all respondents. Fear of contagion and the presence of parents in the home were identified as strengths. Parents reported problems with nutritional plan compliance, especially in anorexia patients. Therapists highlighted the importance of methodological adaptations in sessions to improve participation. Adherence to sessions was 100% for family members and 90% for patients. CONCLUSIONS: Adaptation to a virtual program is a valid and useful option during lockdowns. It improves family participation, but does not replace face-to-face treatment.