Nursing Care for Adults with Eating Disorders in Medical Inpatient and Emergency Department Settings

This document is intended to provide directions on the provision of nursing care for adults with eating when they are admitted to general wards or in the emergency department. People with eating disorders experience a complex interplay of both medical and psychiatric issues, which can also present against a background of trauma, interpersonal and relational issues and personality vulnerabilities. Therefore, close supervision and targeted management on the ward, which considers the unique challenges that this population face, is required to ensure patient safety (both physical and psychological) and resolution of medical problems. 

This document is intended to provide direction about supporting adults with eating disorders to reach medical stability safely and effectively. It is not intended to provide direction on specific medical or psychiatric treatment, as this should be decided by the individual’s current multi-disciplinary treatment team in consultation with the individual, their family and/or carers as part of the development of a collaborative treatment plan.