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Conference paper

PATIENT’S AND GENERAL PRACTITIONER'S PERSPECTIVES REGARDING DISTURBED EATING

Dieter Zeeuws orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-0936-8536 ; Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Departement Psychiatrie, Brussels, Belgium
Karolien Cocquereaux ; Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Huisartsgeneeskunde, Brussels, Belgium
Liesbeth Santermans ; Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Departement Psychiatrie, Brussels, Belgium


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Abstract

Objectives: We wanted to investigate the patient’s expectations on the general practitioner’s (GP) responsibilities in screening
and follow up of disturbed eating behaviour. Then, we looked for remediation for some of the mentioned shortcomings in family
medicine. We also examined if online aid (offered by the non-profit organisation "Eetexpert.be") is already known and used.
Subjects and methods: Anonymous patient questionnaires were gathered at 4 treatment centres for eating disorders or were
collected with help of the Flemish patients organisation for eating disorders (Vlaamse Vereniging Anorexia Nervosa en Boulimia
Nervosa). Later, online enquiries were sent to Flemish GPs.
Results: Out of 123 patients responding to the questionnaire, 44 found their GP to have had an important supportive role in their
healing process. Active listening and targeted referral were among the most appreciated interventions by those patients. 71 GPs
replied the online enquiry. Only 1 out of 5 knew about the free online assistance of "Eetexpert.be". Responders suggested several
additional barriers to care.
Conclusions: In Flanders there is a contrast between expectations and needs of patients on one hand compared to the services
provided by GPs on the other. Reassuringly, all responding physicians were open to more education and support regarding eating
disorder treatment.

Keywords

eating disorder; general practitioner; qualitative research

Hrčak ID:

264127

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/264127

Publication date:

4.9.2019.

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