Men in eating disorder units: a service evaluation survey regarding mixed gender accommodation rules in an eating disorder setting

Abstract

Aims and methodThis service evaluation was conducted to find out: (1) if mixed gender accommodation in eating disorder units is perceived to be helpful or unhelpful for recovery, and (2) if men were being discriminated against by the implementation of the 2010 Department of Health (DoH) guidelines on the elimination of mixed gender wards. All 32 in-patient units accredited on the Quality Network for Eating Disorders were contacted via a survey. RESULTS: We received 38 responses from professionals from 26 units and 53 responses from patients (46 female, 7 male) from 7 units. Four units had closed admissions to male patients due to DoH guidelines.Clinical implicationsWe found that it is possible to provide admission for men with eating disorders, while respecting the single gender accommodation rules, and that doing so is likely to be helpful for both genders and prevents discrimination against men.Declaration of interestNone.

“There’s nothing there for guys”. Do men with eating disorders want treatment adaptations? A qualitative study

“…These findings suggest that these kinds of adaptations may be a valuable option to offer to male patients, but that in general integration in a male-inclusive space, rather than separation due to gender, may be preferred. The experiences of men in this study reflect previous research indicating that gender-integrated treatment environment(s) may be more preferable for some male patients [19, 20] This is significant in the context of current legislation in the UK stating that hospitals should work towards providing single-gender wards [17, 18]. At present, only one study has empirically investigated a specialised treatment pathway for men with EDs, with a positive impact on treatment engagement: future research should consider further evaluating the impact of gender-inclusive versus gender-segregated treatment environments on outcomes for both male and female patients [21].…”

“…This question is particularly relevant in the UK: Department of Health and Mental Health Act Code of Practice guidance states that National Health Service (NHS) organisations should work towards eliminating mixed-gender accommodation on inpatient units and that women-only day rooms should be provided in mental health units [17, 18]. A recent study on the impact of this legislation found that a majority of both male and female patients felt that mixed-gender units were in fact beneficial to their recovery, with concerns that single-gender accommodation could disadvantage men [19]. To date, two qualitative studies have specifically explored the area of treatment adaptations for men with EDs, and similarly suggest that male-segregated services may not be necessary or beneficial [8, 20].…”