Virtual parent-led peer support groups for parents of children with eating disorders: A mixed methods feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the feasibility of a virtual parent-led peer support group (vPLPSG) intervention for parents of children with eating disorders (EDs). METHODS: Forty-four parents were invited to attend 2-h-long vPLPSG sessions every other week for 6 months. A convergent mixed methods design was used to integrate quantitative survey data (collected at three timepoints and analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA) and qualitative interview data (collected at 6 months and analyzed using content analysis) to assess intervention feasibility. Feasibility was comprised of acceptability (e.g., recruitment and retention rates, desire to continue attending the groups) and preliminary effectiveness (e.g., change in parents' self-reported burden). RESULTS: The recruitment rate (67%), retention rate (77%), and attendance rate (60%) demonstrated adequate acceptability. All parents expressed their recommendation of this group to other parents, and most wanted to continue attending vPLPSG sessions. Participants qualitatively reported less isolation and burden as well as improvements in skills and confidence to manage their child's symptoms. These preliminary effectiveness findings were corroborated by quantitative data, with participants reporting a significant decrease in burden [mean difference (MD) = 6.61; p < .004], increase in confidence (MD = 11.17; p < .001), and decrease in unmet needs (MD = 5.03; p < .001) from baseline to 6-months. DISCUSSION: The vPLPSG intervention demonstrated feasibility with respect to acceptability and improvements in preliminary parental outcomes. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention using a larger, more diverse sample. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Dedicated efforts to support caregivers, such as through virtual parent-led peer support groups, have the potential to increase confidence and decrease burden for parents managing their child's eating disorder.

A study protocol for implementing Canadian Practice Guidelines for Treating Children and Adolescents with Eating Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates among psychiatric illnesses. Timely intervention is crucial for effective treatment, as eating disorders tend to be chronic and difficult to manage if left untreated. Clinical practice guidelines play a vital role in improving healthcare delivery, aiming to minimize variations in care and bridge the gap between research and practice. However, research indicates an active guideline implementation approach is crucial to effective uptake. METHODS: Mixed methods will be used to inform and evaluate our guideline implementation approach. Semi-structured focus groups will be conducted in each of the eight provinces in Canada. Each focus group will comprise 8-10 key stakeholders, including clinicians, program administrators, and individuals with lived experience or caregivers. Qualitative data will be analyzed using conventional content analysis and the constant comparison technique and the results will be used to inform our implementation strategy. The study will then evaluate the effectiveness of our implementation approach through pre- and post-surveys, comparing changes in awareness, use, and impact of the guidelines in various stakeholder groups. DISCUSSION: Through a multifaceted implementation strategy, involving the co-creation of educational materials, tailored training, and context-specific strategies, this study intends to enhance guideline uptake and promote adherence to evidence-based practices. Our study will also contribute valuable information on the impact of our implementation strategies.

"I'm not alone": a qualitative report of experiences among parents of children with eating disorders attending virtual parent-led peer support groups.

BACKGROUND: The treatment for children with eating disorders (EDs) requires extensive involvement of parents. The parents of children with EDs have voiced a need for greater support, including connecting with other parents with lived experience of caring for a child with an ED. We aimed to qualitatively explore parental experiences of these groups, including their benefits and areas for improvement. METHODS: This study examined the delivery of four virtual parent-led peer support groups in Ontario, Canada for parents of children with EDs with approximately 10 parent participants per group and two parent facilitators leading each group. Parents (n = 44) were asked to attend 12 bi-weekly support group sessions over 6 months, and then complete an individual end-of-study qualitative interview. Interview data were analyzed using content analysis, following the qualitative description design. RESULTS: Thirty-six parents completed the end-of-study qualitative interview. Participants shared their experiences and impressions related to the group's structure and content. Notable helpful aspects of the group included being able to receive support from those with similar experiences, access to education and resources about EDs, and being able to support others. Suggestions for improvements were made, which included organizing groups according to the child's ED diagnosis or duration of illness. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that this intervention is acceptable to parents and is perceived as helpful. Future research is needed to strengthen this support group model and to study its effects for parents in different settings and for parents of children with various EDs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04686864.

The treatment of children who have eating disorders (EDs) requires extensive involvement from parents. Parents have voiced a need for greater support, and one way to meet this need is through peer support. Using end-of-study interviews, this study qualitatively described the experiences of parents of children who have EDs who participated in virtual parent-led peer support groups (vPLPSGs) for 6 months. Our findings suggest that vPLPSGs are beneficial for parents of children who have EDs. Participants had positive perceptions of the group organization and structure, the parent facilitators, and other parent attendees, and valued the support and educational resources received in the group. Parents noted it was particularly helpful to be able to speak with other parents who understood their experiences, which helped them feel less alone in their difficulties with their child. Parents also noted an improvement in their relationship with their child who has an ED, and believed that these groups should be readily available and accessible. Suggestions for improvement included dividing groups based on children's ED diagnosis, duration of illness, and geographical location. Further expansion and study of these groups is warranted, as they appear to be a valuable support for families affected by EDs.

The COVID-19 pandemic and eating disorders in children, adolescents, and emerging adults: virtual care recommendations from the Canadian consensus panel during COVID-19 and beyond.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has had detrimental effects on mental health. Literature on the impact on individuals with eating disorders is slowly emerging. While outpatient eating disorder services in Canada have attempted to transition to virtual care, guidelines related to optimal virtual care in this field are lacking. As such, the objective of our Canadian Consensus Panel was to develop clinical practice guidelines related to the provision of virtual care for children, adolescents, and emerging adults living with an eating disorder, as well as their caregivers, during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. METHODS: Using scoping review methodology (with literature in databases from 2000 to 2020 and grey literature from 2010 to 2020), the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system, the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation tool, and a panel of diverse stakeholders from across Canada, we developed high quality treatment guidelines that are focused on virtual interventions for children, adolescents, and emerging adults with eating disorders, and their caregivers. RESULTS: Strong recommendations were supported specifically in favour of in-person medical evaluation when necessary for children, adolescents, and emerging adults, and that equity-seeking groups and marginalized youth should be provided equal access to treatment. For children and adolescents, weak recommendations were supported for telehealth family-based treatment (FBT) and online guided parental self-help FBT. For emerging adults, internet cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)-based guided self-help was strongly recommended. Weak recommendations for emerging adults included CBT-based group internet interventions as treatment adjuncts, internet-based relapse prevention Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA) guided self-help, telehealth relapse prevention using MANTRA, and guided CBT-based smartphone apps as treatment adjuncts. For caregivers of children and adolescents, weak recommendations were supported for virtual parent meal support training, and moderated online caregiver forums and support groups. For caregivers of emerging adults, guided parental self-help CBT was strongly recommended, and unguided caregiver psychoeducation self-help was weakly recommended. CONCLUSIONS: Several gaps for future work were identified including the impact of sex, gender, race, and socioeconomic status on virtual care among children, adolescents, and emerging adults with eating disorders, as well as research on more intensive services, such as virtual day hospitals.

Canadian practice guidelines for the treatment of children and adolescents with eating disorders.

OBJECTIVES: Eating disorders are common and serious conditions affecting up to 4% of the population. The mortality rate is high. Despite the seriousness and prevalence of eating disorders in children and adolescents, no Canadian practice guidelines exist to facilitate treatment decisions. This leaves clinicians without any guidance as to which treatment they should use. Our objective was to produce such a guideline. METHODS: Using systematic review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system, and the assembly of a panel of diverse stakeholders from across the country, we developed high quality treatment guidelines that are focused on interventions for children and adolescents with eating disorders. RESULTS: Strong recommendations were supported specifically in favour of Family-Based Treatment, and more generally in terms of least intensive treatment environment. Weak recommendations in favour of Multi-Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Adolescent Focused Psychotherapy, adjunctive Yoga and atypical antipsychotics were confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Several gaps for future work were identified including enhanced research efforts on new primary and adjunctive treatments in order to address severe eating disorders and complex co-morbidities.