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An examination of the impact of “the Maudsley eating disorder collaborative care skills workshops” on the well being of carers

A pilot study

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Abstract

Background

Carers of people with eating disorders experience high levels of distress due to the difficulties in their care giving role and their perceived lack of resources to help their relative. This paper describes an intervention where some of the skills used by specialist nurses and other staff from an eating disorder intensive care setting are taught to carers to improve their sense of competency and alleviate their distress. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of “the Maudsley eating disorder collaborative care skills workshops” programme among care givers and whether the difficulties and distress involved in caring for a person with an eating disorder were reduced.

Methods

Thirty-five carers from 30 families were invited to participate in this programme, which consisted of a total of six workshops, delivered in 2-h sessions over 3 months. Assessments were undertaken at baseline (T 0), at the end of the workshops (T 1) and 3 months later (T 2).

Results

The level of carer distress (GHQ) fell significantly after the intervention. The level of general care giving burden (ECI) also reduced as did the specific difficulties caused by eating disorder symptoms (EDSIS). These changes were maintained over time (T 2).

Conclusions

The transfer of specialist skills within the programme was highly valued by the carers and lessened their stress and care giving difficulties.

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Acknowledgements

Dr. Sepulveda is supported by post-doctorate Fullbright and Spanish Education Ministry Fellowship (EX2004/0481), Institute of Psychiatry and Guy’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom. C. Lopez is a PhD student supported by a Chilean government fellowship. The authors would like to thank the carers that have taken part in the workshops. Without them this study would not have been possible. Thanks also to Nina Jackson REID eating disorder charity and to the Mental Health Foundation for their support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychological Medicine Dept., King’s College of London, Institute of Psychiatry, Guys Hospital, 5th Floor Thomas Guy House, London, SE1 9RT, UK

    Ana Rosa Sepulveda PhD, C. Lopez & J. Treasure (Prof.)

  2. Eating Disorder Service, South London and Maudsley National Health Service Trust, London, UK

    G. Todd & W. Whitaker

Authors
  1. Ana Rosa Sepulveda PhD
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  2. C. Lopez
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  3. G. Todd
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  4. W. Whitaker
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  5. J. Treasure
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ana Rosa Sepulveda PhD.

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Sepulveda, A.R., Lopez, C., Todd, G. et al. An examination of the impact of “the Maudsley eating disorder collaborative care skills workshops” on the well being of carers. Soc Psychiat Epidemiol 43, 584–591 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-008-0336-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-008-0336-y

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