A Qualitative Study on the Experiences of Young Adults With Eating Disorders Transferring From Pediatric to Adult Care

Abstract

The study's objective was to identify systemic facilitators and barriers of transferring young adults (ages 17-21) with eating disorders from pediatric to adult health and mental health services. Qualitative interviews were conducted and three themes emerged: (a) difficulties navigating care during the transfer period; (b) challenges achieving and maintaining recovery due to systemic barriers after the transfer of care;and (c) recommendations for facilitating the transfer between systems of care. From the perspective of young adults with eating disorders our study shows that the transition to adult care services may be improved with increased coordination, communication, and collaborative partnerships between pediatric and adult providers.

Navigating the university transition among women who self‐report an eating disorder: A qualitative study

“…This qualitative finding is consistent with prior studies about barriers to ED treatment (Ali et al, 2017;Eisenberg, Nicklett, Roeder, & Kirz, 2011;Lipson et al, 2017). Treatment for EDs in adolescents, especially for AN, is traditionally family-focused and initiated by parents, and the loss of "monitoring" has been cited as a common reason for relapses during the transition to adult care (Dimitropoulos et al, 2015). This sentiment was echoed by our participants who attributed a perceived lack of external accountability as a reason for symptom exacerbations.…”

“…Given that transitions may serve as a period of vulnerability, it is important to understand how transition periods and their accompanying stress affect symptom burden (Rosen, Compas, & Tacy, 1993;Treasure et al, 2010). Several qualitative studies have explored individuals' experiences while transitioning from pediatric to adult ED care and noted symptom exacerbations (Dimitropoulos et al, 2015;Dimitropoulos, Tran, Agarwal, Sheffield, & Woodside, 2012, 2013.…”

Current eating disorder healthcare services – the perspectives and experiences of individuals with eating disorders, their families and health professionals: systematic review and thematic synthesis

“…12 , 32 Because individuals with eating disorders often approached help-seeking with mixed feelings and motives, they felt that the professionals should emphasise ‘facilitating positive reactions’, encouraging individuals with eating disorders to speak openly rather than attempting to change behaviours and fix the eating disorder. 12 , 32 , 41 This would allow individuals with eating disorders to feel they are in good hands, yet ‘feel safe and listened to’ 12 and able to sustain some personal control and the ability to take responsibility for their own actions. 12 , 14 , 41 For individuals with eating disorders, this was a crucial point early in the help-seeking, which was necessary to enable them to be ready to change and seek recovery – a ‘testing the waters’ 32 or a tentative ‘action stage’ in eating disorder treatment.…”

“… 48 , 59 Family and friends of individuals with eating disorders reflected that shifting their role in the home ‘from power and authority to one of support and encouragement’ improved outcomes. 41 Family and friends felt all sides should work together as a team 36 ‘on the same page’, 41 with all affected by eating disorders mutually involved in treatment and the recovery process. 36 , 41 Therefore, it was important to not remove all control and power from those affected by eating disorders 11 and professionals should adopt directional not authoritative stances 9 and be firm yet consistent.…”

“… 41 Family and friends felt all sides should work together as a team 36 ‘on the same page’, 41 with all affected by eating disorders mutually involved in treatment and the recovery process. 36 , 41 Therefore, it was important to not remove all control and power from those affected by eating disorders 11 and professionals should adopt directional not authoritative stances 9 and be firm yet consistent. 15 In eating disorders, if power relations were distributed more fairly in the eating disorder care setting, the ultimate wish of all parties for more room for greater collaboration in eating disorder treatment would result.…”