Through the lens of lived experience : an exploratory analysis of patient experiences associated with private hospital inpatient eating disorder treatment in Australia : a thesis presented in complete fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts at Massey University, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) are multifaceted and complex psychiatric conditions with associated life threatening physiological and psychological risks, coupled with significantly elevated mortality rates compared to other psychiatric diagnoses. In Australia, ED treatment is delivered on a continuum, commencing in the community, then increasing based on acuity to day-patient, public hospital inpatient, residential care, or private hospital inpatient eating disorder program treatment. The substantial and increasing prevalence of EDs impacts treatment accessibility much of which is inaccessible due to supply and demand, alongside a multitude of barriers. The current study aimed to extend upon the limited existing research within the field of ED privatised treatment, by investigating for the first time, patient experiences associated with private hospital inpatient eating disorder treatment across Australia. Participants (N = 62) aged between 19 and 45 years of age (M = 28.33, SD = 4.96) completed self-report questionaries assessing their experiences in private hospital inpatient eating disorder programs. Therapy provision, psychiatry, meal plans, supported eating, nursing, social eating, food preparation, independent eating, weigh-ins, and discharge experiences were assessed. Results were indicative of fluctuating levels of satisfaction and dissatisfaction dependant on each niche area assessed. To follow, participants had the opportunity to self-report their experience. The results found some commonalties in satisfaction (e.g., feeling heard, individualised treatment). However, the broader consensus reflected distressing self-reported treatment experiences. Overall, the findings suggest that whilst some aspects of private hospital inpatient eating disorder treatment were satisfactory, the quantity and depth of self-reported distressing treatment experiences warrants future additional research.