Acceptability and feasibility of utilizing telehealth to deliver evidence-based treatments for eating disorders in children and adolescents

This acceptability and feasibility study utilized a mixed methods approach to examine patient and clinician perspectives on telehealth across multiple eating disorder presentations and evidence-based treatment modalities. Youth ages 6-19 received psychotherapy for eating disorders in an outpatient specialty clinic. The Telehealth Expectations Questionnaire (TEQ) assessed baseline expectations of telehealth. Satisfaction with telehealth was assessed monthly through the Telehealth Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ). Experiences with telehealth were measured at end of treatment through the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) and Implementation of Telehealth Treatment Questionnaire. The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) measured clinical improvement. Use of telehealth services was associated with clinically significant reductions in eating disorder symptoms. Qualitatively, patients and families reported advantages of telehealth, specifically saving time and ease of use, and identified disadvantages, including technological difficulties and feeling disconnected from therapists. Clinicians reported benefits of telehealth, such as insight into the home environment, and challenges, such as managing distractions and reading body language. Clinicians identified specific adaptations for telehealth when conducting one-on-one time with patients and taking weights. The perspectives of youth, families, and clinicians highlight important clinical considerations in the utilization of telehealth to promote accessible and effective care for eating disorders.