Mental health clinicians’ practices and perspectives of eating disorder apps

Abstract

Smartphone apps have the potential to play an integral role in the management of eating disorders. However, despite evidence of efficacy, apps have yet to be widely adopted and integrated into clinical practice. This study sought to understand mental health clinicians’ practices and perspectives of eating disorder apps. One-hundred-eighteen mental health clinicians (67 % Psychologists, 10 % Psychiatrists, 10 % Counsellors, 6 % Psychiatric Nurses; 7 % other) responded to a survey assessing current practices, knowledge, and attitudes related to apps in practice. Nearly two-thirds of clinicians (63 %) had used/discussed apps with clients; the most common reasons were that apps complement their services (80 % endorsed) and are efficient methods for monitoring symptoms and progress (89 % endorsed). The most common reason for clinicians who had not used/discussed apps with clients was not knowing which apps were appropriate to recommend (82 % endorsed). Nearly 50 % of clinicians reported little to no knowledge of current eating disorder apps, as well as limited confidence in using them effectively in practice. However, 8 in 10 clinicians were open to incorporating apps in treatment, and most agreed that apps can be beneficial for psychoeducation, skill utilization, relapse prevention, and offering support when access to other help options is limited. Overall, findings show that clinicians are enthusiastic about the potential of apps to assist in the management of eating disorders, but clear barriers to their adoption and integration in practice remain. We outline actionable strategies aimed at addressing these barriers and facilitating the broader integration of eating disorder apps into practice.