The Australian Government is proud to launch InsideOut Institute’s GP Hub today in partnership with Sydney Local Health District, supporting GPs in improving the early detection and treatment of people with eating disorders. 

The role of the GP is increasingly complex and demanding. When it comes to people with eating disorders, many GPs feel they lack the sufficient knowledge and skills to identify and treat people with the illness.

Eating disorders are serious, complex mental illnesses that have significant physical and mental health impacts, high mortality rates and low rates of detection.

“We know that eating disorder treatment outcomes are better when detected early, however, stigma, stereotyping and discrimination significantly impact peoples desire to seek help,” says InsideOut Institute National Programs Manager Peta Marks.

“GPs can be reluctant to take on people with eating disorders due to time pressures, concerns about complexity and service-related issues. The GP Hub aims to support GPs to get in earlier, resolving these perceived barriers to care.” 

“The Australian Government is committed to improving the mental health of all Australians, including the more than a million Australians living with an eating disorder,” said Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Emma McBride. “The GP Hub will help doctors to diagnose and treat eating disorders, helping Australians to get the care they need sooner.”

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, the GP Hub is part of a $20-million-dollar program delivered to the sector, driven by the need to address gaps in service provision and to support GPs. 

VIEW THE GP HUB HERE

Peta Marks says GPs have the skills to identify and treat people with eating disorders, but they need the right kind of support and information to help guide their practice.

“If we help GPs identify people sooner and give them the resources they need to intervene early, they will help people to avoid more severe and longer-term illnesses.”  

Dr Karen Spielman, a GP with a special interest in eating disorders and GP consultant at InsideOut Institute, says GPs are the gateway to the health system for people with eating disorders and are perfectly placed to address the whole person – body and mind.

“I know we can make a huge impact on morbidity and mortality if we get this right. Our team is so determined to support GPs to do what they do best – which is sensitive whole-person care, care coordination and teamwork.”  

 The GP Hub is a one-stop-shop for use at the point of care, created with GPs, for GPs. It includes a suite of digital tools and information designed to save time, enhance workflow and support diagnosis, assessment and treatment. 

Many people with lived experience report that GPs lack understanding and fail to take concerns seriously. As a result, referral to specialist services/evidence-based treatment is often delayed. 

Bronwyn Carrol, InsideOut Institute’s Lived Experience Lead, says that providing good supports and information will build GP confidence and translate into a different conversation with their patients. 

“Improving awareness, language, supporting difficult conversations and building trust really makes a difference.” 

“The GP Hub is an invaluable tool. It is detailed, accessible and provides information at their fingertips. Every GP should be accessing this.”

Help and Support  

Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact:  

Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or support@butterfly.org.au    

For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14    

References

Malson, H., Tischner, I., Herzig, H., Kitney, D., Phillips, C., Norweg, S., ... & Oldham‐Cooper, R. (2022). Key stakeholder perspectives on primary care for young people with an eating disorder: A qualitative study. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 32(2), 288-301.

van Hoeken, D., & Hoek, H. W. (2020). Review of the burden of eating disorders: mortality, disability, costs, quality of life, and family burden. Current opinion in psychiatry, 33(6), 521–527.

Ivancic L, Maguire S, Miskovic-Wheatley J, Harrison C, Nassar N. Prevalence and management of people with eating disorders presenting to primary care: A national study. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. 2021;55(11):1089-1100. doi:10.1177/0004867421998752

Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government. National Survey of Mental Health-Related Stigma and Discrimination. ACT; 2022.

For interviews, contact InsideOut: Juanita Nantes, 0434 890 694, juanita.nantes@sydney.edu.au