ARFID treatment: Voices of young people, carers and clinicians.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the Perspectives of Young People, Carers, and Clinicians on Treatment Experiences and Barriers to Care for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): A Qualitative Study."
IRAS ID
359495
Contact name
POORNIMA KHADANGA
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 14 days
Research summary
This qualitative study seeks to explore the treatment experiences of children and young people (aged 10 to 16 years) diagnosed with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). ARFID is a relatively recently recognised eating disorder that can have a significant impact on physical health, emotional wellbeing, and quality of life.
The study aims to gather insights from both service users and healthcare professionals. Specifically, it will examine key stages of the care pathway, including referral processes, waiting times, interim support while awaiting treatment, initial assessments, treatment interventions, and discharge procedures. In parallel, the perspectives of clinicians involved in delivering care will be explored to better understand perceived challenges within the current system and to identify areas for improvement.
Semi-structured interviews will be conducted as part of this qualitative research design. Children and young people will be interviewed individually while carers and clinicians will be interviewed in a focused group setting.
The study will be carried out within the Child and Young People’s Community Eating Disorder Service (CYPCEDS) at Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT). Participation will be entirely voluntary, and all data collected will be managed in accordance with relevant confidentiality and data protection regulations.
The anticipated outcomes of this research include a deeper understanding of the current treatment pathway for ARFID and the identification of both effective practices and areas requiring development. The findings will support service improvement within the host organisation and may also provide valuable guidance for other services seeking to establish or enhance care pathways for individuals with ARFID and their families.REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NE/0142
Date of REC Opinion
8 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion