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Positive outcomes from integrating telehealth into routine clinical practice for eating disorders during COVID-19.
Raykos, Bronwyn C; Erceg-Hurn, David M; Hill, James; Campbell, Bruce N C; McEvoy, Peter M.
  • Raykos BC; Center for Clinical Interventions, Perth, Australia.
  • Erceg-Hurn DM; Center for Clinical Interventions, Perth, Australia.
  • Hill J; Center for Clinical Interventions, Perth, Australia.
  • Campbell BNC; School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
  • McEvoy PM; Center for Clinical Interventions, Perth, Australia.
Int J Eat Disord ; 54(9): 1689-1695, 2021 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1286106
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has required telehealth to be integrated into the delivery of evidence-based treatments for eating disorders in many services, but the impact of this on patient outcomes is unknown.

OBJECTIVE:

The present study examined the impact of the first wave of COVID-19 and rapid transition to telehealth on eating disorder symptoms in a routine clinical setting.

METHOD:

Participants were 25 patients with a confirmed eating disorder diagnosis who had commenced face-to-face treatment and rapidly switched to telehealth during the first wave of COVID-19 in Western Australia. Eating disorder symptoms, clinical impairment and mood were measured prospectively before and during lockdowns imposed due to COVID-19. HYPOTHESES We predicted that patients would experience poorer treatment outcomes during COVID-19 and would perceive poorer therapeutic alliance and poorer quality of treatment compared to face-to-face therapy.

RESULTS:

Our hypotheses were not supported. On average, patients achieved large improvements in eating disorder symptoms and mood, and the magnitude of improvement in eating disorder symptoms was comparable to historical benchmarks at the same clinic. Patients rated the quality of treatment and therapeutic alliance highly.

DISCUSSION:

Providing evidence-based treatment for eating disorders via telehealth during COVID-19 lockdown is acceptable to patients and associated with positive treatment outcomes.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Feeding and Eating Disorders / Telemedicine / Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Oceania Language: English Journal: Int J Eat Disord Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Eat.23574

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Feeding and Eating Disorders / Telemedicine / Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Oceania Language: English Journal: Int J Eat Disord Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Eat.23574