Work

Adapting family-based treatment for primary care (FBT-PC) for treating child and adolescent restrictive eating disorders in rural settings: a case series

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Access to eating disorder care for child and adolescent patients is challenging especially for patients from rural and/or lower-resourced health systems. In order to improve the availability of eating disorder treatment, we developed Family-Based Treatment for Primary Care (FBT-PC), for primary care delivery. Although research has shown that FBT-PC has a significant effect on young patients’ eating disorder symptoms, the model has not been evaluated in rural settings. The purpose of this study was to establish proof-of concept of an adaptation of FBT-PC for rural settings, in preparation for a pilot feasibility/acceptability trial. This study describes adaptations made to the FBT-PC protocol for implementation in small town and rural areas, as well as a case series of six children and adolescents with restrictive eating disorders who received FBT-PC in these settings. Findings from this case series establish proof-of-concept for FBT-PC implementation in rural primary care clinics. Specifically, the majority of patients either completed treatment (n = 3) or were referred to standard FBT (n = 1) which is consistent with the intention of FBT-PC as offering a lower-step eating disorder intervention. These promising preliminary cases support further evaluation of FBT-PC in rural settings. Future research is needed to assess clinical outcomes and acceptability of the intervention. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov #22-011880 It is well-established that it is challenging for child and adolescent patients to access evidence-based eating disorder treatment, especially for those living in rural health systems or those with less resources. In order to improve the availability of eating disorder treatment, we developed Family-Based Treatment for Primary Care (FBT-PC), for delivery by a primary care provider, in the primary case setting. Although research has shown that FBT-PC is effective in treating young patients’ eating disorder symptoms, it has not been evaluated in rural settings. This study describes how the FBT-PC intervention was adapted for delivery in small town and rural areas, as well as a case series of six children and adolescents with eating disorders who received FBT-PC in these settings. Findings from this case series suggest FBT-PC implementation might be possible in rural primary care clinics. Specifically, the majority of patients either completed treatment (n = 3) or were referred to standard FBT (n = 1). Findings from these promising 6 cases support the need for further evaluation of FBT-PC in rural settings. Future research is needed.

Source: Journal of Eating Disorders

DOI: 10.1186/s40337-025-01443-3