The experience of adult ED referrals not meeting service criteria.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding The Experience of a Referral Not Meeting the Criteria for Adult Specialist Eating Disorder Services for People with Eating Disorders in the United Kingdom.
IRAS ID
337977
Contact name
Chloe Woolmer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 7 days
Research summary
Eating disorder (ED) services in the United Kingdom (UK) use criteria to gatekeep access to specialist secondary care, such as community eating disorder services. Research has explored the barriers and facilitators to accessing both primary (e.g. general practitioner) and secondary care for eating disorders. There have been goals in research and clinical practice to improve access to treatment for eating disorders. This includes improving access to secondary care, improving the service offered at primary care levels (e.g., through general practitioners) and developing self-help materials.
There has not been an explicit exploration of the experience of overcoming the barriers to a referral to secondary care, having a referral made, and then not meeting the criteria to access secondary care (i.e. having a referral to a community eating disorder service declined), or how this impacts an individual struggling with an ED.
It is hoped that an exploration of these experiences will develop understanding of the psychosocial impact of not meeting criteria on the individual, their relationship with their eating disorder and their relationship with services. It is also hoped to develop understanding of the support being offered to those who do not meet criteria.
Individuals will be eligible if they are over 18 years old, are not currently in treatment for their eating disorder, and have had their referral to a secondary care NHS provider eating disorder service declined. Participants will participate in a 60-90minute interview discussing their experiences and then receive a debriefing. The interview can be offered online via the chief investigators University of Leeds Zoom account or face to face at the University of Leeds.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0072
Date of REC Opinion
25 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion