FEEDING HOPE: Assessing the effectiveness of Western Australia’s first public, voluntary, inpatient Eating Disorder Program

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of Western Australia's first public, voluntary, inpatient eating disorder program in improving client weight, BMI, eating disorder cognitions and behaviours, and depression, anxiety and stress levels, and to identify factors associated with self-discharge, over the first 12 months of operation.MethodsClients participated in a multidisciplinary team eating disorder program comprised of meal support, group education sessions, and one-on-one clinician reviews. Weight, BMI, Global EDE-Q, and DASS-21 scores were compared at admission and discharge. An analysis was completed to identify variables predicting self-discharge from the program.ResultsThere were 81 admissions over a 12-month period. Weight and BMI were significantly higher at discharge compared to admission, and Global EDE-Q, depression, anxiety, and stress scores were significantly lower. The self-discharge rate was 21%. Older age was associated with lower chance of self-discharge, while admission BMI, referral source, and diagnosis demonstrated no association with self-discharge.ConclusionsThese results broadly support the effectiveness of the program in increasing client weight and BMI, reducing eating disorder cognitions and behaviours, and improving depression, anxiety and stress levels. The high self-discharge rate should prompt further investigation and reflection on strategies to improve client retention and engagement.