A feasibility study comparing a web‐based intervention to a workshop intervention for caregivers of adults with eating disorders

Abstract

Objective To assess for the validity of a future trial, the current feasibility study aimed to compare the feasibility and efficacy of a web‐ and workshop‐based education intervention for caregivers of adults with eating disorders. Methods Psychoeducation was provided to caregivers, who were randomly assigned to a web or workshop condition. Independent samples t tests were conducted to analyse the between‐group effect sizes for intervention condition with regard to change over time. A random selection of participants from each intervention provided qualitative feedback about their experiences. Results Overall, participants reported positive experiences in both education interventions. From baseline to the end of intervention, small between‐group effect sizes were observed for changes in caregiver accommodation, problem‐solving abilities, the quality of psychological health, and the quality of social relationships, favouring the web‐based intervention, and changes in expressed emotion in the family context, caregiver burden, perceived stress, and the quality of the environment, supporting the workshop intervention. Conclusions There was a difference in initial feasibility of the web intervention. A future large‐scale trial of these interventions is supported by the results of this feasibility study.

Long-Term Efficacy of the Workshop Vs. Online SUCCEAT (Supporting Carers of Children and Adolescents with Eating Disorders) Intervention for Parents: A Quasi-Randomised Feasibility Trial

“…In summary, the SUCCEAT intervention revealed remarkably high effect sizes in both groups, as compared to prior studies [9,15,16,19]. In SUCCEAT, highly structured material with guidance from professional coaches was used.…”

“…However, compared to other guided interventions for caregivers of adult patients with ED based on the same theoretical framework as SUCCEAT, the adherence was similar [17][18][19]24], but higher than in other reports investigating self-help material [15,16]. "Overcoming Anorexia Online", which was investigated in different studies [17][18][19]24], seems comparable to the concept of SUCCEAT, as it is also designed as an interactive, multi-media intervention consisting of eight modules that were presented offline or online, mostly with additional guidance that usually was provided by specialised clinicians. On the contrary, adherence of SUCCEAT was better than in studies investigating self-help with guidance from less-experienced coaches [15,16].…”

“…Usually, these interventions are delivered as workshop [12,13] or self-help programmes [14][15][16]. Only a few studies examined online versions, but mainly for carers of adult patients [17][18][19]. Online interventions have the advantages of flexibility in time and place and may facilitate professional support when face-to-face appointments are not possible or specialists are not available in remote areas.…”

“…Many studies have a short follow-up (FU) period, usually between three [14,18,19] and six months [17]. Long-term outcome was rarely considered in previous research.…”

Reduction of High Expressed Emotion and Treatment Outcomes in Anorexia Nervosa—Caregivers’ and Adolescents’ Perspective

“…A meta-analysis showed a moderate-sized reduction of EE in caregivers after participating in such interventions, including workshop-based, online, and self-help interventions [18]. Other recent studies also reported a reduction of high EE following interventions for caregivers [20][21][22]. However, having investigated the effects of such interventions, the previous literature almost exclusively focused on the parents' perception, while not considering the perception of the patients, although including the patients' perception is recommended and valued to gain additional insight in the family climate of ED patients [1].…”