Exploring Therapists' Approaches to Treating Eating Disorders to Inform User-Centric App Design: Web-Based Interview Study.

Journal: JMIR formative research
PMID:

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The potential for digital interventions in self-management and treatment of mild to moderate eating disorders (EDs) has already been established. However, apps are infrequently recommended by ED therapists to their clients. Those that are recommended often have poor engagement and user satisfaction, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes. Barriers to recommendation include patient safety, data privacy, and a perception that they may not be effective. Many existing interventions have limited functionality or do not differ much from manual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or self-help books, which may not adequately support the therapeutic process or sustain user engagement.

Authors

  • Pamela Carien Thomas
    Epidemiology and Applied Clinical Research Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
  • Pippa Bark
    UCL Cancer Insititute, London, United Kingdom.
  • Sarah Rowe
    Epidemiology and Applied Clinical Research Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom.