An evaluation of an online education module to improve clinician knowledge and management of eating disorders in the peripartum: a three-month follow-up.

Abstract

Background: Eating disorders (ED) in the perinatal period pose significant health risks to both mother and infant. Maternity staff have reported a lack of training to support the identification, screening, and management of ED. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and ongoing sustainability of a co-designed, online education module to increase clinician and peer worker knowledge of EDs in the peripartum.

Methods: Online surveys were conducted before and after completing the education modules, and at three-month follow-up, to determine changes in knowledge and confidence over time. The three-month survey also investigated the implementation of learning in practice.

Results: Improvements in knowledge of screening, identification, monitoring, and management were significantly greater at three months than at baseline. However, scores had decreased compared to immediately post-education. Time burden was considered a major barrier to education and implementation.

Conclusions: The online education module showed promise as a tool to improve long-term knowledge and confidence regarding perinatal ED for clinicians and peer workers. Revisiting the education module may be beneficial for sustaining knowledge and confidence to identify and manage peripartum ED. Further support, in terms of additional learning items or the creation of a searchable resource, may enhance translation to practice.