Feasibility and acceptability of DVD and telephone coaching-based skills training for carers of people with an eating disorder

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this study were (1) to describe the feasibility and acceptability of this skills-based training for carers of people with eating disorders and (2) to examine whether the anxiety, depression, and expressed emotion involved in the caregiving experience were reduced.

Method: Sixteen carers participated in the study. Assessment measures including the General Health Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Experience of Caregiving Inventory, and the Family Questionnaire were taken before and after the intervention. Feedback and a measure of acceptability measure were also collected.

Results: Participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with most aspects of the training. Also most of the carers reported that the digital video devices (DVDs) provided sufficient training and were helpful for their stress levels. However, due to the small sample size, the lessening of psychological distress and depression after the intervention, did not reach formal levels of significance according the self-report measures.

Conclusion: The DVDs appear to be an acceptable method of delivering information and skills-based training for carers.