Eating disorders, COVID-19 and reconfigurations of care: challenges for shared management of health professionals

Abstract Objective This study aimed to understand the meanings attributed by the team specialized in eating disorders to the reconfigurations implemented in the service during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method This is a cross-sectional descriptive-exploratory investigation that adopted the clinical-qualitative method and the Psychoanalysis of Bonding Configurations as theoretical reference. Focus groups were conducted with 23 professionals, analyzed from the perspective of Reflective Thematic Analysis, which resulted in the elaboration of three themes. Results Professionals report that the outbreak of COVID-19 had an impact on the service, generating a feeling of helplessness, fear and paralysis. The need to provide care continuity led to team movement in order to reorganize, allowing the maintenance of assistance. The retrospective looks shared in the focus groups allowed the team to elaborate the facilitating and hindering factors of the experience. Conclusion The results offer support for managers and health professionals to improve health care in crisis situations.