Two-year Follow-up of a Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trial Examining the Effect of Adding a Carer's Skill Training Intervention in Inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

Background: Active family engagement improves outcomes from adolescent inpatient care, but the impact on adult anorexia nervosa is uncertain.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the 2-year outcome following a pragmatic randomised controlled trial in which a skill training intervention (Experienced Caregivers Helping Others) for carers was added to inpatient care.

Method: Patient, caregiver and service outcomes were measured for 2 years following discharge from the index inpatient admission.

Results: There were small-sized/moderate-sized effects and consistent improvements in all outcomes from both patients and carers in the Experienced Caregivers Helping Others group over 2 years. The marked change in body mass index and carers' time caregiving following inpatient care was sustained. Approximately 20% of cases had further periods of inpatient care.

Conclusion: In this predominately adult anorexia nervosa sample, enabling carers to provide active support and management skills may improve the benefits in all symptom domains that gradually follow from a period of inpatient care.

Keywords: anorexia nervosa; carers; inpatient treatment; randomised controlled trial; therapy.