ERIC Number: EJ1434040
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Mar
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0894-587X
EISSN: EISSN-1573-3289
Eating Disorder Screening and Treatment in a Medically Underserved Southern State: Data Collected by a Legislative Eating Disorder Council and Implications for Statewide Assessment
Julia K. Nicholas; Taylor E. Penwell; Caroline B. Christian; Kate Overberg-Wagoner; Nicholas C. Peiper; Cheri A. Levinson
Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, v50 n2 p342-355 2023
Healthcare providers play a key role in early identification of eating disorders (EDs), especially in underserved states where ED treatment resources are lacking. Currently, there is little known about ED screening and treatment practices in underserved states. The current study assessed current ED screening and treatment practices among healthcare providers in an underserved state using data collected by a government-formed state ED council. Healthcare providers (N = 242; n = 209 behavioral health providers; n = 33 medical providers) practicing in Kentucky completed a brief, anonymous survey on ED screening and treatment practices, comfort with screening for EDs, and interest in continued education. Over half of healthcare providers indicated screening for EDs, with the majority using a clinical interview. After identification of ED symptoms, providers reported a combination of treating in-house, referring out, or seeking consultation. In bivariate analyses, medical providers were significantly more likely than behavioral health providers to use a screening tool specifically designed for EDs. The majority of medical providers indicated that they received education about EDs and feel knowledgeable about ED screening tools, though most reported infrequent use of these screening tools in their practice. Nearly all behavioral health and medical providers expressed interest in continuing education on ED screening and treatment. These findings indicate a need for, and interest in, education on evidence-based ED screening and treatment resources in underserved states and demonstrate the utility of a state ED council to collect these data to inform future education and treatment strategies.
Descriptors: Eating Disorders, Health Personnel, Screening Tests, Clinical Diagnosis, Medical Services
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2123/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Kentucky
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A