This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit an eLetter
Right arrow View responses
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via CrossRef
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Right arrow Citing Articles via Scopus
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Waller, G.
Right arrow Articles by Yeomans, M.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow Articles by Waller, G.
Right arrow Articles by Yeomans, M.

Problems across care pathways in specialist adult eating disorder services

Glenn Waller

*Eating Disorders Service, Vincent Square Clinic, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Osbert Street, London SW1P 2QU, and Institute of Psychiatry, London, e-mail: Glenn.Waller{at}iop.kcl.ac.uk

Ulrike Schmidt

SLAM Eating Disorders Service and Institute of Psychiatry, London

Janet Treasure

Guy’s Hospital and Institute of Psychiatry, London

Katie Murray and Joana Aleyna

Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London

Francesca Emanuelli

Department of Psychology, University of East London

Jo Crockett

Department of Psychology, University College London

Maria Yeomans

Audit Information and Analysis Unit, London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

Despite considerable knowledge of outcomes for patients who complete treatment for eating disorders, less is known about earlier stages in the treatment journey. This study aimed to map the efficiency of the anticipated patient journey along care pathways. Referrals to specialist eating disorder services (n=1887) were tracked through the process of referral, assessment, treatment and discharge.

RESULTS

The patient mortality rate was low. However, there were serious problems of attrition throughout the care pathways. Of the original referrals where a meaningful conclusion could be reached, in approximately 35% the person was never seen, only half entered treatment and only a quarter reached the end of treatment.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

This study demonstrates considerable inefficiency of resource utilisation. Suggestions are made for reducing this inefficiency, to allow more patients the opportunity of evidence-based care.




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 Psychiatr. Bull.Home page
S. L. Adshead
Ambivalence in eating disorders
Psychiatr. Bull., May 1, 2009; 33(5): 196 - 197.
[Full Text] [PDF]

eLetters:

Read all eLetters

Ambivalence in Eating Disorders
Sara L Adshead
PB Online, 10 Feb 2009 [Full text]