As a healthcare provider, whether you are an emergency room doctor, a pediatric nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant, you may encounter patients with eating disorders without even realizing it. The lack of training in eating disorders for most medical professionals worldwide can lead to missed diagnoses and delays in care for these patients.
The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the global increase in eating disorders, particularly among teenagers who are already experiencing a mental health crisis. More individuals are seeking treatment for eating disorders, but misconceptions about who can develop these disorders still prevail. It is crucial for medical providers to be prepared to identify and assist patients with eating disorders.
To address the lack of education on eating disorders, various research groups have developed online training programs. These programs aim to improve screening, referral, and knowledge of eating disorders among healthcare providers. For example, the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders (STRIPED) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers video training that has been shown to enhance screening and referral practices in pediatricians.
In addition to online training, efforts are being made to incorporate eating disorder education into existing medical education programs. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education will now require pediatric trainees to undergo mental health training, which should include education on eating disorders. By integrating case examples of eating disorders into medical education, learners can better understand the diversity of individuals affected by these disorders.
Furthermore, there is a growing recognition of the need for ongoing education on eating disorders for current healthcare providers. Several states have established councils and initiatives focused on improving eating disorder education and prevention. The SERVE Act, part of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, mandates eating disorders continuing education for medical providers to the military, a population at increased risk for eating disorders.
Effective treatment for eating disorders involves behavior change, which can be facilitated by trained healthcare providers. Providers should be equipped to ask patients about their eating and exercise habits and address any concerning behaviors. By incorporating eating disorder assessments into routine medical visits and electronic medical records, providers can better monitor and support patients with eating disorders.
Eating disorders are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, but they are also treatable. By enhancing education and training for healthcare providers, we can ensure that patients with eating disorders receive the care they need. Every clinical encounter is an opportunity to identify and assist individuals with eating disorders, and it is essential for medical providers to be prepared to address these issues.
