Journal of Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics

A Qualitative Research Study of Current Practices in Residential Treatment Facilities of Eating Disorder-Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 (ED-DMT1)

Context: Patients with an eating disorder and type 1 diabetes require specialized care. There is a lack of information on current treatment practices for these patients in a residential eating disorder treatment setting.

Objective: Identify current practices for treating patients with an eating disorder and type 1 diabetes in a residential eating disorder treatment setting.

Design: This was a qualitative research study. Interviews were conducted via zoom video conferencing and later transcribed verbatim. Four researchers conducted qualitative data analysis using a case study design approach.

Participants/Setting: Data from transcribed interviews of 18 clinical nutrition managers at 18 different eating disorder treatment facilities across the United States were analyzed. Only clinical nutrition managers employed at eating disorder treatment facilities that offered a residential level of care were eligible for participation.

Results: Four themes were identified through qualitative case study analysis: 1) Nutrition interventions for patients with diabetes, 2) Medical diabetes management, 3) Interdisciplinary diabetes team, and 4) Clinical nutrition manager’s assessment of diabetes care. Clinical nutrition directors were knowledgeable about nutrition related interventions at their respective treatment facilities. There was an apparent lack of communication and lack of knowledge across disciplines. The most frequent feedback was the need and desire for more education related to treating patients with type 1 diabetes.

Conclusion: There is a need for future research to develop education and training materials for residential treatment center staff and for standard of care recommendations for patients with an eating disorder and type 1 diabetes.

Author(s):

Megan M Austin1, Emily V Patten1, Brandon Thatcher2, Heather M Wright1 and Susan Fullmer1*

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