Learning From Existing Services: Developing an Intensive Outpatient Services for Children and Adolescents With Eating Disorders

AIMS: Gain an insight into learnings/pitfalls that existing services have met whilst setting up/running intensive outpatient pathways/ services (IOS). METHODS: 4 Focus Groups (FGs) were conducted virtually through MS Teams from December 2022- January 2023 of duration 90 minutes each for health professionals involved in a leadership role in IOS pathways across England. The FGs were recorded with participant consent, transcribed and analysed with an inductive approach for thematic analysis. RESULTS: 4 main themes emerged including (i) patient and (ii) team considerations, (iii) approach and (iv) commissioning. A key sub-theme emphasised the importance of flexible and creative approaches in IOS to supplement existing evidence base therapies as well as the importance of a well-rounded MDT approach with good communication across the board. Key set-ups include: enhanced outpatient offers, home treatments, in-reach, and hybrid. CONCLUSION: Intensive outpatient services for EDs allows an enhanced community offer that is needs led and flexible and individualised approach.