Emergency medicine physicians’ knowledge and perceptions of training, education, and resources in eating disorders

BACKGROUND: Feeding and eating disorders present with a variety of medical complications, some of which may be life-threatening. Emergency Medicine (EM) physicians may interact with patients with eating disorders, however, EM physicians’ knowledge and perceptions of resources for treating patients with eating disorders have not been examined. The purpose of this study was to explore previous training/education, perceptions of available resources, and educational needs in treating eating disorders in practicing EM physicians. METHODS: An investigator-developed survey was used in this cross-sectional pilot study, distributed to EM Residency Program Coordinators in the United States to distribute to EM physicians and residents. The survey assessed EM physicians’ previous training and education in treating and diagnosing eating disorders. The primary outcomes assessed were participants’ previous training/education in eating disorders, knowledge of local resources for patients, and educational needs on a variety of topics related to adult and adolescent eating disorders. Data were described descriptively and SAS 9.4 was used to analyze data. RESULTS: Of the 162 participants, just 1.9% completed a rotation on eating disorders during residency. Ninety-three percent were unfamiliar with the American Psychiatric Association’s Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Eating Disorders; 95% were unfamiliar with the publication, “Emergency Department management of patients with eating disorders” by Trent et al. The majority were not aware of resources for patients with eating disorders including community and online support groups, the National Eating Disorders Association, and local treatment programs. At least 50% agreed additional education on 15 of the 19 topics examined would be useful; 85% agreed to wanting education on the assessment of patients with eating disorders in the Emergency Department. CONCLUSIONS: Most EM physicians lack training in eating disorders and knowledge of resources available for patients post-Emergency Department discharge. EM physicians agree additional education on a number of topics would be beneficial, particularly assessment of eating disorders in the Emergency Department, medical complications of eating disorders, and hospital admission criteria for those with eating disorders.