Young adults with eating disorders perspectives on educational resources to support the transition into adult medicine: a thematic analysis

Abstract

Plain English summary Most adolescents who have an eating disorder will reach an age when it is no longer appropriate for them to receive care in a children’s health program. They will then need to transition to an adult-focused program. This transition period can be challenging, with increased risks of negative health outcomes and disruptions in care. One approach for better supporting patients during transition is through the development of appropriate educational resources. Before developing these resources, it is important to hear from patients about how they should be structured to be as useful as possible. We interviewed six patients who had recently transitioned out of a pediatric eating disorder program about the value of an educational transition resource and what should be included in it. Patients identified several unique transition issues for young adults with eating disorders. We identified valuable insights and seven key themes from these interviews. While all patients recognized the value of educational resources, rather than being just a static source of information, they envisioned a resource that could also be a dynamic record of their previous care and a tool for engaging with their new adult-focused health care providers.

Keywords

• Eating disorders
• Young adults
• Adolescents
• Transition
• User perspectives
• Patient educational supports