Adolescent Eating Disorder Day Programme Treatment Models and Outcomes: A Systematic Scoping Review

Background: Adolescent eating disorder day programmes (DP), or partial hospitalization programs, are becoming increasingly widespread worldwide. They typically function as an alternative to inpatient care and/or a step up or down in treatment intensity. There has been an increase in the number of publications within the last 5 years investigating DP outcomes. While there are now numerous programmes operating internationally, there is large variability in the content, structure and theoretical underpinnings of each programme. This makes it difficult to compare programme outcomes, and the impact the therapeutic model may have. Aims: To review existing literature on adolescent eating disorder DP treatment models and outcomes. Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted. Four databases (PsychInfo, EMBASE, Medline, CENTRAL) were searched for relevant peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters investigating adolescent eating disorder DPs that function as alternatives to inpatient treatment. No restrictions on study methodology were imposed. Studies were first mapped by location, study characteristics and day programme treatment characteristics, then narratively synthesized. Results: Forty nine studies were included in this review. All used a quantitative methodology. One study also included qualitative methods. The majority of studies included describe DPs in the USA (69%). Seventy-six percent of the studies described DPs that operate 5-days per week and most (57%) either only admit or only report on outcomes for restrictive eating disorders. Two-thirds (69%) reported on DPs that had a family focused treatment model, the remainder had a more integrated treatment model informed mostly by individual psychotherapeutic models. Generally, DP treatment is associated with weight gain and improvements in eating disorder and comorbid psychopathology. The studies that include follow-up data (27%) reveal improvements are usually maintained from 3 months to 2 years post-treatment. Early weight gain, early psychological change and early therapeutic alliance are associated with improved end of treatment outcomes. Findings regarding other potential predictors of outcome are mixed. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests day programmes are an effective alternative to inpatient treatment that lead to sustained improvements. DPs tend to either be young-person-only with a family-focused treatment model or all age with a more integrative model. Controlled, empirical investigations into the impact of the therapeutic model on outcomes are needed, as are investigations into treatment mechanisms and the individual and parent experience of day programme treatment.