Eating disorders affect millions worldwide, yet many medical professionals feel ill-equipped to address them. This is partly due to limited training in eating disorders during medical school and residency programs. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, with a significant increase in eating disorder cases among teenagers.
As healthcare providers, we must recognize the importance of addressing eating disorders and provide comprehensive care. However, without proper training, providers may struggle to diagnose and treat these conditions effectively. To bridge this gap, online educational resources are being developed to support medical professionals.
Research groups, including ours, have created video training programs like STRIPED’s brief video training for pediatricians, which improved screening and referral rates. Another program, PreparED, offers standalone modules in English and Spanish, improving knowledge and attitudes among nurse practitioners and nutrition trainees.
Australia’s InsideOut Institute has also developed The Essentials, a virtual program that improved skills and willingness to work with eating disorders among rural providers. These initiatives prioritize collaboration with healthcare providers early on and emphasize the importance of brevity.
Existing educational opportunities can also be leveraged to address eating disorders. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education is requiring pediatric trainees to spend four weeks learning about mental health, which will include eating disorders. Clinical simulations can help learners navigate conversations about eating behavior, and targeting current providers with existing training can fill knowledge gaps.
Training must acknowledge concerns healthcare providers have about discussing eating behavior and weight monitoring. It’s essential to discuss trends like intermittent fasting and eliminating gluten or dairy without medical rational, and to share guidance on sensitive discussions about weight patterns.
Behavior change is a crucial step in treating eating disorders, which requires asking patients about eating and exercise patterns. Electronic medical records can be modified to include questions about mood and anxiety, reminding clinicians to assess for eating disturbances during routine visits.
Eating disorders are treatable, but they can be deadly if left untreated. By providing comprehensive training and education, we can ensure that medical providers are ready, willing, and able to meet the needs of patients with eating disorders. Every clinical encounter is an opportunity to make a difference.
Source: https://www.statnews.com/2025/01/09/eating-disorders-doctors-education-medical-providers-training-resources