Treatment for eating disorders from a patient satisfaction perspective: a Norwegian replication of a British study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to replicate a British survey on patient satisfaction with treatment for eating disorders, factors associated with satisfaction and the consumer|s suggestions on how to improve the quality of health care services. A questionnaire was completed by 321 members of the Norwegian organizations for eating disorder patients. The British results were replicated as subjects were highly satisfied with outpatient individual and group psychotherapy, and to a less extent with family therapy. Also, a similar delay of 5Ð6 years from the first subject recognition of eating disorder symptoms to the time of seeking help was found. However, we found a relation between treatment delay and treatment satisfaction. Inpatient treatment was more favourably experienced in the UK than in Norway. Subjects who experienced therapists as competent on eating disorders reported higher treatment satisfaction. The results imply a critical view on the issue of early detection, a more selective use of family therapy, the need for more competence on eating disorders among clinicians, and a closer cooperation between professionals and the services provided by the patient organizations.

Treatments for Eating Disorders: The Patients' Views

“…The second theme which emerged from participants' responses referred to types of interventions received, and, in accordance with previous findings, individual psychotherapy was highly valued (Bell, 2003;Escobar-Koch et al, 2010;Rosenvinge & Klusmeier, 2000). Patients in this study highlighted the benefits of cognitive-behavioral techniques, in line with a recent study in which patients with bulimia nervosa and eating disorder not otherwise specified responded well to cognitive-behavioral treatments (Fairburn et al, 2009).…”

Treatment perception in adolescent onset anorexia nervosa: Retrospective views of patients and parents

“…2,6,7 Most studies of client satisfaction have low participation rates. 3,8,9 Patients who have dropped out of treatment are seldom included, and participants are often selfselected from patient associations or self-help groups. These participants may differ significantly from patients with eating disorders (ED) treated by health services.…”

“…These participants may differ significantly from patients with eating disorders (ED) treated by health services. [9][10][11] Knowledge is lacking on whether client satisfaction is related to outcome in patients with ED.…”

“…11,17 Patients with AN often report negative treatment experiences. 9,10,15,[18][19][20] Studies of client satisfaction in ED indicate that patients tend to be most satisfied with the therapeutic alliance and less satisfied with treatment elements aimed at restoration of physical health. 3,17,18 At the same time, these treatment elements are viewed by the therapists as crucial for improvement.…”

The Patient’s Perspective: Exploring Factors that Contribute to Recovery from Eating Disorders

“…The earlier studies, which were published between 1990 and 2005, showed that most of the patients who were interviewed preferred individual therapy, group therapy and selfhelp groups than other forms of treatment, such as inpatient programs [9,10]. Interestingly, the more "specialized" therapies, such as behavioral and family therapy, were not regarded positively by the patients [9,10]. The majority of the patients were more satisfied when they were treated in a specialized unit for ED's or by a therapist experienced specifically in ED therapy [10,11].…”