Improving adult inpatient eating disorder treatment: perspectives of a sample of individuals in Canada with lived experience

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) are common and can be deadly, yet treatment approaches are not currently meeting the needs of individuals in Canada requiring care. As noted in the existing literature, ED treatment is largely inaccessible in Canada and can be ineffective in facilitating long-term recovery. Recent research has suggested that improvement to publicly funded, hospital-based ED treatment for adults is necessary and that those in Canada with lived experience should be involved in the process of doing so. This paper is based on a study that set out to explore ED treatment and gather potential recommendations from eleven individuals in Canada with lived experience. Several recommendations were identified to improve ED treatment in Canada, while simultaneously addressing harmful stigma about people with lived experience with EDs. These recommendations included providing interim support, ensuring individualized care, offering dignified treatment, increasing resources, and directly targeting stigma. From this study, it is suggested that current ED treatment methods must change to improve health outcomes and reduce stigma, and exploring the perspectives of those with lived experience is a promising method for doing so.