This study investiagted the use of Family-Based Therapy (FBT) via telehealth for young people with Anorexia Nervosa living in rural and regional settings. It found that telehealth-FBT was feasibly implemented into rural services, with preliminary efficacy comparable to those reported by specialist studies.
Aims
This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of telehealth Family-Based Therapy (telehealth-FBT) delivered by community-based clinicians directly into the rural home over secure video conference to reduce the eating disorder symptoms of adolescents diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Telehealth-FBT was feasibly implemented into rural services and delivered by community clinicians with reach, adoption, with efficacy, and fidelity scores comparable to those reported by specialist studies.
Background
Adolescents with AN living in rural and regional areas face significant barriers to accessing evidence-based treatments like FBT due to limited workforce availability, high staff turnover, and increased treatment costs. Telehealth offers a promising solution by facilitating care regardless of geographic location.
NSW Health
Delivering evidence-based treatment via telehealth for Anorexia Nervosa in rural health settings: a multi-site feasibility implementation study.
Hambleton, A., Le Grange, D., Kim, M. et al.
J Eat Disord 12.
207.
Translating evidence-based treatment for digital health delivery: a protocol for family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa using telemedicine
Hambleton, A., Le Grange, D., Miskovic-Wheatley, J. et al.
J Eat Disord 8.
50.
Double-edged sword of translational research: stakeholder perspectives of the enablers and challenges implemention Anorexia Nervosa treatment in rural health settings.
Hambleton A, Vatter S, Le Grange D., Touyz S, Maguire S.
Australian Journal of Rural Health.
33.
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