Abstract
Background
A recent Delphi study indicated that, compared with eating disorder (ED) consumers
and carers, ED specialists were less likely to endorse involvement of a dietitian
as a standard component of treatment. In addition, there was disagreement between
these groups regarding the inclusion of a number of components of dietetic treatment.
Objective
This study aimed to further investigate these data to identify areas of disagreement
among ED specialist dietitians, ED specialist non–dietetic clinicians, consumers,
and carers with regard to outpatient dietetic treatment.
Design and participants/setting
The ED specialists panel from a previous Delphi study was recoded into 2 panels: ED
specialist dietitians (n = 31) and ED specialist non–dietetic clinicians (n = 48)
to compare responses of these panels with responses from consumers (n = 32) and carers
(n = 23).
Main outcome measures
Statements in 7 categories relating to referral to dietitian, essential components
of outpatient dietetic treatment regarding 4 ED patient populations, strategies to
promote multidisciplinary collaboration, and skills dietitians should possess if treating
patients with an ED were rated on a 5-point Likert scale.
Statistical analysis performed
One-way analysis of variance was conducted with post-hoc multiple comparisons to compare
mean statement ratings.
Results
Thirty-seven statements (30%) showed statistically significant differences (P < .05) in responses between panels. Discrepancies were primarily observed for statements
regarding how and when dietetics is included in treatment and essential components
of dietetic treatment, particularly the use of behavioral tasks, such meal plans and
self-monitoring. Results also highlighted deficits in participants’ understanding
of core responsibilities of dietitians in ED treatment and dietitians “drifting” from
delivering evidence-based components of dietetic treatment.
Conclusions
Results of this study show discrepancies among ED dietitians, clinicians, consumers,
and carers regarding what dietetic treatment for people with EDs should encompass.
It also indicates the need for further research into optimizing dietetic treatment
for EDs that is conducted in collaboration with individuals with lived experience.
Keywords
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Biography
C. M. McMaster is an accredited practicing dietitian and PhD student, Boden Collaboration for Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; curent affiliation: The University of Sydney Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Biography
T. Wade is a professor, Blackbird Initiative, Órama Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Biography
J. Franklin is an accredited practicing dietitian and research coordinator, Metabolism and Obesity Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Biography
S. Hart is an affiliate, Boden Collaboration for Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and an accredited practicing dietitian and eating disorder coordinator, Nutrition and Dietetics Department, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 09, 2021
Accepted:
December 2,
2021
Received:
April 12,
2021
Footnotes
STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
FUNDING/SUPPORT Caitlin M. McMaster is a recipient of a Research Training Program scholarship from the Australian Government, Department of Education and Training.
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS C. M. McMaster and T. Wade conceived the study. C. M. McMaster, T. Wade, J. Franklin, and S. Hart contributed to the study design. C. M. McMaster collected, analyzed, and interpreted the data. C. M. McMaster drafted the manuscript and revisions were made by all remaining authors.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
