SEED-AN and a non-specialised, severe mental illness (SMI) community treatment model: perspectives of professionals and patients of a QoL-focussed treatment

Improving care for SEED-AN patients is urgently needed. Current specialist eating disorder (SEDU) programs have minimal impact, resulting in poor quality of life. Flexible assertive community treatment (FACT) focuses on improving the quality of life of people with severe mental illness.

This study systematically examined professionals’ and patients’ experiences with existing care for SEED AN in two settings in two health districts in the Netherlands. Specifically, the specialised Eating Disorder Unit and FACT.

A qualitative approach was used: Twelve professionals participated in focus groups, and four professionals and six patients were interviewed individually. Reflective thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Four themes were constructed: “We feel ignorant in the treatment of SEED-AN patients”; “There is a disability to act”; “We are more than executive practitioners alone”; and “The professionals at FACT have given me back my confidence in treatment”. The findings reflect how support for SEED-AN patients is provided by both FACT and SEDU professionals and how SEED-AN patients experience the FACT approach.

A resource group model promotes collaboration among professionals, patients and the patient’s support system. The model is expected to increase knowledge about SEED-AN among stakeholders who support the quality of life of SEED-AN patients.