Eating Disorder Screening and Treatment Protocol in a Student Health Care Setting

Anorexia nervosa has the highest fatality rate of any identified psychological disorder (Eating Disorders, 2013; Guarda, 2015). Risk of premature death is 6 to 12 times higher in women with anorexia nervosa compared to the general population, adjusting for age (Academy for Eating Disorders [AED], 2014). Fifteen percent of women ages 17 to 24 have eating disorders. Diagnosing eating disorders is challenging due to the secretive nature of the disorder as many patients try to conceal it, deny the symptoms, or feel shame in pursuing help. This challenge emphasizes the importance of screening for eating disorders as a part of routine assessment in the student health centers of colleges and universities. However, despite literature describing eating disorders as a growing problem with significant medical and psychological consequences, many providers at student health centers in Utah lack the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to screen for and manage these disorders. Student health centers provide an important opportunity for critical medical and psychosocial interventions. Providers should be educated and alert to the signs and symptoms of anorexia and bulimia as early detection of eating disorders is critical to their outcomes (Castleberry, 2014). The overarching goal of this project was to provide awareness and knowledge to student health center providers about eating disorders to improve screening and optimize management of eating disorders in college students. Addressing the lack of awareness and initiating standardized care should improve and enhance effective recovery among college students with eating disorders. To meet this objective, implementation began by identifying a university student health center in Utah County that lacked any form of screening or standardized care protocols for their students with eating disorders. The primary product of this project was an evidenced-based presentation on screening and treatment of eating disorders accompanied by a reference guide, screening tools, and a list of community referrals given to healthcare providers at a university student health center. At four weeks from the date of the presentation, providers received a follow up questionnaire to determine their utilization of the tools. Results from the pre- and post-tests and follow-up questionnaire showed an increase in participant knowledge specific to eating disorders after the educational session and use of the resources and knowledge in the four weeks following the presentation. In summary, this project has important and potential lifesaving clinical implications for young adults receiving care through a student health center. The sooner a patient receives treatment, the better the chances of full recovery. Through proper training and tools, clinicians at student health centers will have the knowledge and ability to recognize and treat eating disorders, thereby mitigating the associated psychological and physical consequences of this life-threatening illness.