“It is more isolating to patients if you aren’t familiar with the resources”: a pilot test of a clinician sensitivity training on eating disorders in pregnancy

Abstract

Abstract It is more isolating to patients if you aren’t familiar with the resources: A pilot test of a clinician sensitivity training on eating disorders in pregnancy. (IRB Number: 1909705198). Background Pregnant women with a history of eating disorders (EDs) or active EDs have greater maternal and child health complications. They are also unlikely to disclose their history with an ED to their clinician, few of which are confident in their knowledge to provide appropriate care for patients who present with EDs. This study’s goal was to evaluate changes to knowledge, behavior, and attitudes for health professionals who were part of a sensitivity training (to provide information of and awareness, address potential clinician biases, and offer strategies for more patient-centered care with de-stigmatizing language) about eating disorders and pregnancy compared with those who received a reference document. Methods Our pilot study compared responses of health professionals before and after this sensitivity training (N = 54) with a group who were provided a clinician reference document about the same topic (N = 61). Results Mann–Whitney Wilcoxon tests showed significant differences between the sensitivity training and reference document groups, with the sensitivity training resulting in increases to participants’ perception of ED’s relevance to overall treatment (p = 0.018), comfort in providing resources (p < 0.0001), frequency of ability to introduce strategies (p = 0.001), and interest in additional strategies/recommendations in treating patients with eating disorders (p = 0.009). Thematic analysis of the open-ended responses indicated four major themes: Resources and support, Treatment, Additional training, and Clinician Strategies. Discussion Results indicated that the sensitivity training improved training outcomes compared to the reference document group. Qualitative responses from both groups indicated four themes that can help inform ED-centered care. This study provides context for future directions for continuing education courses as well as clinical training recommendations for treating pregnant patients with EDs.

Keywords

• Eating disorders
• Pregnancy outcomes
• Postpartum
• Clinician education
• Medical education
• Continuing education