Development and early implementation of a brief 2-day multidisciplinary parent training group for paediatric ARFID: A feasibility and acceptability study.

Abstract

Objective: Many children with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) cannot access appropriate care, as existing individual and family treatments are scarce, long and costly. We developed a brief 2-day (12-h) multidisciplinary parent training group and assessed its feasibility and acceptability in routine care.

Method: Single-arm implementation study in one tertiary centre. Parents of 18 children (5-14 years) with DSM-5 ARFID (17/18 sensory-based; non-French-speaking families excluded) attended two days three weeks apart. Guided by the RE-AIM framework, we assessed reach, feasibility (a priori benchmark ≥75% completion) and acceptability (HAQ-11S; CSQ-8; parents' written feedback). Clinician-rated severity (CGI-S) was an exploratory, uncontrolled signal.

Results: Of 26 eligible families, 18 (69%) enrolled and 16 (89%) completed both days, exceeding the benchmark; attendance was almost exclusively maternal (83%). HAQ-11S and CSQ-8 scores were high and increased post-program (p < .001), and all respondents rated the satisfaction questionnaire positively. Parents' immediate self-reports most often cited better understanding of the disorder, increased competence and reduced isolation. CGI-S was numerically lower afterwards but this uncontrolled change cannot be attributed to the intervention.

Conclusion: This brief multidisciplinary parent group for paediatric ARFID is feasible and highly acceptable in this specialist setting, resource use and clinical benefit require controlled evaluation.