Health care provider’s experiences, practices, and recommendations for interventions and screening of cystic fibrosis patients with disordered eating: A qualitative analysis

Abstract

Objectives To investigate health care providers’ perspectives on their experiences and practices with cystic fibrosis patients exhibiting disordered eating behaviors and their recommendations for interventions and screening of this population. Methods Experienced health care providers (N = 17) were recruited from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation listserv to participate in a semi-structured interview via phone. Two trained qualitative researchers independently coded audio-recorded interview scripts. Major themes were generated from questions inquiring health care providers’ perspectives on their experiences and practices with cystic fibrosis patients exhibiting disordered eating behaviors and their recommendations for better interventions and screening of disordered eating. Results The most prominent disordered eating behaviors observed by health care providers in cystic fibrosis patients were misusing pancreatic enzyme medication (53%), food restriction behaviors (47%), binge eating (29%), and skipping meals (29%). Over half (53%) of health care providers reported not having policies or procedures for disordered eating of cystic fibrosis patients. All health care providers thought it would be beneficial to have a cystic fibrosis-specific disordered eating screening tool. Recommendations by health care providers included developing a national standard protocol for cystic fibrosis disordered eating and educational training for health care providers. Discussion Ongoing development of evidence-based guidelines for screening and treating disordered eating among cystic fibrosis patients is warranted including development of a cystic fibrosis-specific disordered eating screening tool.

Psychometric properties of the Cystic Fibrosis Eating Attitudes and Behaviours scale (CFEAB) in an adult population

“…The identification of ED can then be referred to specialists for appropriate help and guidance, which would ultimately improve the patient's physical and mental health. Research indicates that health care providers believe that the development of evidence-based guidelines for screening and treating disordered eating among CF patients is warranted, including development of a CF-specific disordered eating screening tool (Quick & Chang, 2019).…”

Current Knowledge on Eating Experiences and Behaviours in Cystic Fibrosis: Exploring the Challenges and Potential Opportunities for Interventions

“…In a recent study, experiences and practices on disturbed eating behaviours in CF were sought from health care providers [19], this methodology circumvents the issue of potential patient responder bias. Heath care providers reported that almost half of patients misused pancreatic enzymes (though this may be poor adherence rather than disordered eating) and engaged in food restriction behaviours, while almost a third engaged in binge eating and/or skipping meals.…”