Evaluation of Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Receiving Specialist Eating Disorders Inpatient Treatment in the NCEL Provider Collaborative

Abstract

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) are associated with debilitating physical, psychological, and social consequences. Inpatient treatment is effective for weight restoration and symptom reduction; however, little is known about outcomes post-discharge. Furthermore, three variables, namely change in weight, days needed to reach 95% weight for height (WfH), and length of stay (LOS), are associated with several factors. Understanding these associations may help improve patient outcomes across the care pathway. Objectives: This service evaluation aimed to explore the characteristics of patients admitted to Ellern Mede Specialist ED Inpatient Unit from the North Central and East London Provider Collaborative (NCEL PC). Furthermore, it aimed to examine weight and ED symptomology improvement at 6-months post-discharge and associations with the three variables of interest. Method: Data for twenty patients were collected. This included patient and clinical characteristics, treatments obtained pre-, during, and post-Ellern Mede, and psychometric measures. Mean, median, percentages, parametric and non-parametric tests were conducted. Results: 80% of patients had anorexia nervosa, and 40% had an illness duration of over three years. Average inpatient LOS and days to reach 95% WfH were 311 days and 137 days, respectively. Limited data was available at 6-months follow-up. WfH increased from inpatient admission to discharge (p < .001) but not from discharge to 6- months post-follow-up. ED symptomology decreased from admission to discharge (p = .015). Patients who self-harmed at admission had a lower change in WfH (p < .001). Lower WfH at admission was associated with greater change in WfH (p < .001) and longer number of days needed to reach 95% WfH (p = .004). Patients sectioned under the Mental Health Act at (p = .040) or during (p = .026) admission had a longer LOS. Conclusion: Findings enhanced the understanding of the NCEL PC care pathway and allowed for recommendations to improve the services.