Structured, supported feeding admissions for restrictive eating disorders on paediatric wards.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Restrictive eating disorders in young people are increasingly requiring admission to the hospital and can be a challenge to manage on acute general paediatric wards. METHODS: We have developed a joint working model with Child and Adolescent Mental Health services (CAMHS) using short, structured, supported feeding admissions to supplement outpatient treatment in high risk or 'stuck' cases. RESULTS: We have successfully managed the majority of young people in the community avoiding lengthy, expensive, specialist CAMHS eating disorder inpatient unit admissions (tier 4). Local ward admissions are easier to manage and the attitudes of nursing and medical staff towards these young people have changed. DISCUSSION: Joint working between paediatric and CAMHS teams enables shorter, more manageable local ward admissions, reducing the need for tier-4 units.