Adult Eating Disorders Integrated Mental Health Service (AEDimhs): an evaluation of a new primary care intervention model.

Abstract

National Health Service (NHS) England highlights the need for preventative, specialist support for adults with mild eating difficulties. This evaluation explored the effectiveness of an Adult Eating Disorder Integrated Mental Health Service (AEDimhs) in reducing mild eating difficulties, within primary care. The lived experience of service users (n = 12) and staff (n = 12) was thematically analysed and levels of staff wellbeing and burnout reported. Individual service-level data (N = 363) were gathered; however, 59.6% of outcome data were Missing Not At Random and n = 69 pre-post intervention mental health outcomes were available for analysis. Statistically significant improvements were found in ED-related thoughts and actions (EDE-Q) and psychosocial difficulties (CIA), while overall distress (CORE-OM), depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety significantly reduced (GAD-7; all measures p < .001). Staff reported moderate levels of wellbeing and low burnout. Thematic analysis identified four themes: 'bridging the gap', 'empowering interventions', 'adaptability and flexibility' and 'shaping the future'. Findings suggest that AEDimhs can potentially provide effective, preventative, specialist support within primary care. Research with larger and more diverse populations is required to strengthen the evidence base and enable evaluation of long-term follow-up.