Emergency clinicians' knowledge and perceptions of training, education, and resources in eating disorders.

Abstract

Background: Emergency clinicians have an important role in the recognition, assessment, and emergency management of patients with eating disorders. International studies suggest emergency clinicians receive limited training in eating disorders; however, Irish data are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate emergency clinicians' perceptions of education, training, and available resources.

Methods: A single-centre cross-sectional survey study was conducted in an Irish Emergency Department (ED). Investigator-developed surveys were distributed to emergency medicine physicians and emergency nursing staff. Surveys assessed undergraduate and postgraduate education, awareness of clinical guidelines, perceived training adequacy, and educational needs relating to eating disorders.

Results: Twenty-three emergency medicine physicians and twenty-six emergency nurses participated, representing response rates of 60.5% and 27.4%, respectively. Most physicians (n = 22, 95.7%) reported undergraduate training in eating disorders compared with 57.7% of nurses (n = 15); however, only eleven (47.8%) of physicians and eight (30.8%) of nurses considered this training adequate. Postgraduate training was reported by seven (30.4%) of physicians and seven (26.9%) of nurses. Awareness of key clinical guidelines among physicians was limited, with nine (39.1%) familiar with the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Medical Emergencies in Eating Disorders (MEED) guidance. Emergency clinicians supported additional education on eating disorders.

Conclusion: Emergency clinicians reported substantial gaps in education and awareness relating to eating disorders and expressed a perceived need for additional training. Enhanced undergraduate and postgraduate education, guideline dissemination, and strengthened multidisciplinary resources may improve clinicians' preparedness to recognise and manage eating disorders in emergency care.