Managing patients with eating disorders: a qualitative study in primary care.

Abstract

Background: GPs play a key role in the diagnosis and management of eating disorders (EDs).

Aim: To explore GPs' experiences of managing patients with EDs.

Design & setting: A qualitative study utilising remote semi-structured interviews in the UK.

Method: Fourteen GPs were interviewed about their experiences of supporting patients with EDs. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: The analysis described the following four themes: (i) 'Continuity of care', addressing the GP's relationship with patients and family, patient transitions across life stages and geographical areas, and patient non-attendance; (ii) 'The role of guidance', focusing on guidelines and protocols, referrals and specialist professionals as points of contact; (iii) 'Structural barriers', including waiting times, lack of resources, referral criteria, and relationships between services; (iv) 'Confidence and skills', reflecting professional and personal experience in EDs, previous training and training needs. Transcending these themes was the notion of the 'Limits to the care' GPs can provide owing to professional boundaries and the emotional impact of managing patients with EDs.

Conclusion: This study found that while GPs want to help patients with EDs many limits remain to the care they can provide owing to both internal and external factors. Funding is required for training and accessible specialist ED support, and greater clarity is needed regarding referral processes if ED management in primary care is to be optimised.