Co-producing an inclusive-care model for young people transitioning from adolescent eating disorder services to adult care: A qualitative study protocol for Transition for Eating Disorder Youth intervention

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) present a chronic issue to child paediatric mental health services due to their high mortality and relapse rates. The transition from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult Mental Health Services is a particularly high-risk period for young people with EDs given their high vulnerability to change, which can negatively impact treatment outcomes. However, there is lack of evidence on the feasibility of inclusive and youth-specific interventions that address the multiple and complex needs of this group during their transition to adult care. This proposed study aims to develop a newly introduced model of care called Transition for Eating Disorder Youth intervention (TEDYi) for young people aged 16–18 years with EDs transitioning from adolescent ED services to adult care. TEDYi will be co-produced with young people, carers, and staff targeting interpersonal and psychosocial needs during the transition process. The first phase of the study involves interviews with young people (N = 15) and carers (N = 15) as well as focus groups with mental health professionals (N = 15) across four ED adolescent and adult specialist services to explore their transition experiences. The second phase, consists of four Experience-Based Co-Design workshops, aimed at collaboratively developing and refining TEDYi.