A Needs Assessment for Health Care Professionals in the Detection, Intervention and Interdisciplinary Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa Using Focus Group Methodology

摘要

The incidence of bulimia nervosa has increased significantly in the second half of the twentieth century and its occurrence is more than twice that of anorexia nervosa. Due to its complex nature, successful treatment requires an interdisciplinary approach with nutritional, psychological, medical, pharmacological and dental therapies. Despite bulimia nervosaa€?s growing incidence, many health care professionals fail to detect the condition in their patients. In addition, professionals lack adequate training in interdisciplinary health care delivery. As part of a larger federally funded Interdisciplinary Health Care for Rural Areas Project, the purpose of this study was to conduct focus groups with patientsa€? and providersa€? to examine professional skill needs in four domains including the detection, intervention, assessment and interdisciplinary treatment of bulimia nervosa. Based on thematic analysis of transcripts from four focus groups, both the patient and professional participants indicated a need for more professional training in all four domains. The professional participants especially lacked an understanding of the interdisciplinary health care model. In addition, participants indicated interest in the use of online case based learning opportunities when available to advance their knowledge about bulimia nervosa.