As a healthcare provider, whether you are an emergency room doctor, a pediatric nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant, you may encounter patients with potential eating disorders. These patients may present with various symptoms, such as unresponsiveness after vomiting, failure to meet growth targets, or isolation due to strict food rules. Recognizing and addressing eating disorders is crucial, but many medical professionals lack adequate training in this area.
The lack of training in eating disorders is a widespread issue in medical education. Residency programs and medical schools often do not provide sufficient clinical training or classroom learning on eating disorders. This gap in education has become even more pressing in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has seen a significant increase in eating disorders worldwide, especially among teenagers.
To address this training deficit, efforts are being made to provide online resources and educational materials for healthcare providers. Organizations like the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders (STRIPED) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Australia’s InsideOut Institute have developed video trainings and virtual programs to improve screening and referral for eating disorders.
In addition to creating new educational opportunities, existing training programs need to be expanded to include eating disorders. For example, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education will soon require pediatric trainees to undergo mental health training, which should include eating disorders. Case examples of eating disorders should also be integrated into medical education to increase awareness and understanding of the diverse presentations of these disorders.
Furthermore, ongoing education for practicing healthcare providers is essential. Legislation at the federal and state levels has been introduced to strengthen eating disorders training, and efforts are being made to incorporate eating disorder education into continuing education requirements for medical providers. Training should focus on addressing providers’ concerns about discussing eating behaviors and weight control and providing guidance on behavior change strategies.
Effective treatment for eating disorders requires behavior change, which can be facilitated through proper training and support for healthcare providers. By incorporating education on eating disorders into medical curricula, providing resources for ongoing training, and addressing providers’ concerns, we can improve the identification and treatment of eating disorders in healthcare settings. Every clinical encounter is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients with eating disorders, and it is essential that medical providers are prepared to meet the challenge.
