Clinician views on illness progression in eating disorders

Name of researchers: Lucy Hyam, Azza Elsheikh, Karina Allen, Prof Ulrike Schmidt

Affiliation/s: King’s College London

Who can take part?

We are looking for clinicians who work with patients with eating disorders. To take part in this study, you must:

Be a former or currently practicing clinician. This includes psychologists, doctors, nurses, or allied health professionals.
Be aged 18 years or older.
Have experience working with patients with eating disorders for at least 1 year.
Willing to participate in a focus group with other clinicians, led by researchers.

What is the purpose of the research?

We would like to understand the perspectives of clinicians working in eating disorder services on how eating disorders develop and change over time. A growing body of evidence suggests that it may be beneficial to think of eating disorders as progressing through different phases or ‘stages’. Understanding routes into and out of illness, and what may characterise an early form of illness versus a continuing, more longstanding illness may help in efforts to personalise treatments.

What does the study involve?

This study will be conducted completely online. You will be asked to take part in a one-off focus group, which will have about 6 members, all who are also clinicians working with patients with eating disorders. Before the focus group, we will ask you to complete a short online survey to collect some brief demographic information and details on your professional role. During the focus group, one or two researchers will be present to ask broad questions for the group to discuss.

How can someone take part?

Please email Azza Elsheikh via azza.elsheikh@kcl.ac.uk and Lucy Hyam via lucy.e.hyam@kcl.ac.uk to learn more about this study and taking part.