SupportED is the first inclusive online support program co-designed for carers of people with eating disorders, offering self-paced skills training across all eating disorder types and carer relationships. Preliminary findings demonstrate the program's acceptability and feasibility while showing promise in reducing caregiver burden and improving support capabilities.
Aims
This study entailed the co-design of a novel, online, self-paced skills-based program for carers and support people of those with lived and/or living experience of an eating disorder. A case series evaluation of the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of SupportED suggested it was an acceptable and feasible program for carers and that it may improve burden and support skill development.
Background
Carers, vital in the care of people with an eating disorder, experience substantial caregiving burden and unmet needs. SupportED is the first online carer support program which was designed to be inclusive of all carer types (including partners and siblings) for all eating disorder presentations. Findings supported the program's suitability and helpfulness for reducing carers’ load and bolstering skills and knowledge.
Skills-Based Online Self-Help Program for Carers of People With an Eating Disorder (SupportED): A Case Series Evaluation.
Miskovic-Wheatley, J., Schlage, J., Pehlivan, M. J., Simone, R., Koreshe, E., Hunt, C., & Maguire, S.
International Journal of Eating Disorders.
57(2), 423 - 436.
Characteristics, Correlates of Burden and Support Service Use of a Help-Seeking Carers of Loved Ones With an Eating Disorder
Pehlivan, M. J., Rodgers, B., Schlage, J., Maguire, S., & Miskovic-Wheatley, J.
European Eating Disorders Review.
32(3), 458 - 475.
"I don't know how, if, it's ever going to end": Narratives of Caring for Someone With an Enduring Eating Disorder
Burman C, Rhodes P, Vatter S, Miskovic-Wheatley J.
Eating and Weight Disorders.
29(1).
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