Holistic nursing care for people diagnosed with an eating disorder: A qualitative study based on patients and nursing professionals' experience

PURPOSE

To analyze eating disorder patients and nursing professionals' views and experience of the relationship-based care established.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A qualitative study that employs an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Nineteen patients and 19 nurses participated in the research through interviews and narrations.

FINDINGS

Nurses' help is both unexpected and relevant during the patients' recovery process. They provide care not focusing just on nutritional aspects, other factors such as mutual help, the psychological, emotional, social, and personal aspects are highlighted.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This study provides a deep understanding of the relationship-based care established that makes it possible to expand knowledge and to individualize the care provided.

What role do dietitians have in providing nutrition care for eating disorder treatment? An integrative review

BACKGROUND

Dietitians are recognised as experts in nutrition care and essential members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams. However, the role of dietitians in caring for people with eating disorders is not well understood. The present review aimed to identify, critically appraise and synthesise the current evidence exploring the views and experiences of dietitians, other health professionals, patients and carers regarding the role of dietitians in the treatment of eating disorders.

METHODS

CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and PsycINFO were searched in April 2020 and again in February 2021. Studies were included if they were original research; explored views and experiences of the role of dietitians in the treatment of eating disorders, including perceptions of patients, carers and other health professionals regarding nutrition care for eating disorders; and the full-text article was available in English. Title and abstract screening, full-text screening, quality assessment and data extraction were completed in duplicate. Quality assessment was conducted using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool. Thematic synthesis was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods study designs were included. Four themes emerged inductively from the data: (i) dietitians as collaborators, educators and counsellors; (ii) dietitians individualising care and desiring a holistic approach; (iii) opportunities for dietitians to gain confidence; and (iv) experiencing nutrition care as a patient or carer.

CONCLUSIONS

This review suggests that dietitians have a varied role in eating disorder treatment but desire further training. Understanding the training needs of dietitians can identify practice gaps and opportunities to enhance clinician confidence.