Objective: To assess self-reported knowledge and confidence regarding avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) diagnosis and treatment in Swedish clinicians from various disciplines.
Method: The study included 489 clinicians who attended educational lectures about ARFID. Participants responded to 20 ARFID-related questions and statements using the online audience engagement platform Mentimeter. Items assessed ARFID-related knowledge, education, and experience, as well as treatment methods offered to ARFID patients at clinicians' healthcare units.
Results: We found predominantly correct responses to three basic knowledge-based items about ARFID. However, most participants (64.0%) reported never having received education about ARFID, and few participants reported feeling confident in their ability to diagnose (13.4%) and treat (10.7%) ARFID. Nearly half the sample reported either not knowing which ARFID treatments their unit offered (22.3%) or that no treatment was offered (21.3%).
Conclusion: Experience and confidence in diagnosing and treating ARFID are generally low in Swedish clinicians, and many individuals with ARFID do not receive treatment. We identify a pressing need for resources, clearer organisation, and structure, and for additional education and training opportunities for clinicians meeting individuals with ARFID.
Keywords: eating disorder; feeding disorder; guidelines; healthcare; treatment.
© 2023 The Authors. European Eating Disorders Review published by Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.