ABSTRACT
Background
Eating disorders (EDs) are associated with significant physical, psychological, and social impairments. Dietitians play a vital role in ED treatment, yet their impact is underreported.
Aim
To evaluate the pilot implementation of a novel dietetic outcome measure tool within a community ED service, with a focus on feasibility and acceptability.
Methods
A mixed-methods evaluation was conducted over six months in 2024. Quantitative data were collected using a novel dietetic outcome measure tool being piloted within the service and analysed descriptively. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with dietitians piloting the tool and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
Quantitative outcome data from 102 patients were analysed to describe service level referral patterns, intervention focus, proposed outcomes, and perceived outcome achievement. Restrictive dietary patterns and malnutrition were identified as common dietetic concerns. Improving nutritional status and eating patterns were the most frequently identified dietetic outcomes. Outcome status was recorded for 54% of patients. Of those, twenty-six (47%) had a recorded outcome as ‘met,’ 21 (38%) as ‘partially met,’ and 8 (15%) as “not met.” Qualitative findings are presented across 3 themes: (1) demonstrating professional value through outcome monitoring, (2) practical and organisational barriers to embedding outcome monitoring, and (3) balancing meaningful data collection with clinician burden.
Conclusion
Participants were supportive of routine outcome monitoring in principle. However, the absence of clearly defined outcome indicators and associated data limited the tool’s ability to meaningfully evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness. Improved integration within existing electronic systems, combined with clearer outcome indicators and complementary qualitative approaches, may reduce clinician burden while enhancing the feasibility, acceptability, and value of routine outcome monitoring within ED dietetic services.
Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 39, Issue 5, October 2026. Read More