The Benefits of Family-Based Treatment Strategies for Pediatric Eating Disorders in Inpatient Settings

Family-Based Treatment (FBT) is the most effective evidenced-based treatment of pediatric eating disorders and traditionally occurs in outpatient settings. A core tenet of FBT centralizes around parents' role and authority being essential to their child's recovery. Yet, in an inpatient setting, the parent's role may be diminished as the need for clinician intervention is increased to assure urgent medical recovery. This inpatient program has incorporated FBT principles into treatment protocols with the goal to work in conjunction with parents, thereby enhancing care provided and improving prognosis.

Dietitians historically have not been a formal component of FBT treatment; however, recognizing the expertise and unique skills of the dietitian, this program has incorporated RDN support as an integral part of treatment to provide education and guidance for parents while empowering them to make decisions on their child's care and nutritional intake.

This expert panel will focus on:

• Interventions for nutrition rehabilitation
• Integrating parents into the treatment team
• Education and support provided by clinicians including meal coaching, multifamily education and constructing behavioral contracts

CPE Level: Level 3
CPEU: 1.0

Performance Indicators

• 2.2.1 Identifies the need for and negotiates common ground with customers, interprofessional team members and other stakeholders.
• 9.1.2 Identifies and works to minimize and overcome barriers to learning.
• 8.3.6 Keeps abreast of current nutrition and dietetics knowledge and trends.

Learning Objectives

• Identify challenges and opportunities involved in adapting family-based treatment principals in higher levels of care.
• Implement nutritional intervention strategies to promote weight restoration and medical recovery as well as support parent efficacy during treatment and recovery of restrictive eating disorders.
• Evaluate how increasing parental involvement in treatment can enhance overall care, promote lasting change and improve outcomes.

Speakers

• Shonda Brown
• Katelyn Anderson
• Sarah Kavlich