Family-based treatment for pediatric eating disorders: Evidence and guidance for delivering integrated interdisciplinary care

Child Health Care. 2023;52(1):7-22. doi: 10.1080/02739615.2021.1984240. Epub 2021 Oct 21.

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) are complex psychiatric diagnoses requiring specialized care. Family-based treatment (FBT) is the first-line treatment for adolescent anorexia nervosa and is also efficacious for other EDs. This study describes practice changes due to the implementation of an integrated interdisciplinary FBT-aligned treatment program for EDs at a large tertiary care hospital in the United States. We examined the feasibility and acceptability of implementation, barriers to implementation, and impact on providers' roles over a one-year period. Practice changes came with shifts in roles, and were largely experienced as acceptable with good suitability. Barriers identified may inform future interdisciplinary implementation efforts.