Combining Supported Housing and Partial Hospitalization to Improve Eating Disorder Symptoms, Perceived Health Status, and Health Related Quality of Life for Women With Eating Disorders

Abstract

This pilot study examines outcomes obtained from a combined treatment approach, Eating Disorders Partial Hospitalization (EDPHP) plus supported housing (Sage House) for adult women with eating disorders versus EDPHP alone. The combined treatment group (n = 16) showed numerous improvements from admission to discharge over and above the group receiving only EDPHP (n = 19) after controlling for age, duration of eating disorder, and length of partial hospitalization stay. Study findings support the notion that for a subgroup of women with eating disorders, supported housing in concert with EDPHP may be a more effective approach than EDPHP alone because of the increased amount of support to apply treatment skills in the community during high risk times after program hours.

This pilot study was conducted while Mary Tantillo was the Director of the Western New York Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders (WNYCCCED) based at Unity Health System in Rochester, New York. Mary Tantillo remains Director of the WNYCCCED, but is no longer at Unity Health System.

This pilot study was supported by contract monies from the Western New York Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders sponsored by the New York State Department of Health. Part of these monies funded data management and statistical services provided by The Center for Research and Evidence-Based Practice at the University of Rochester School of Nursing. Start-up funds for Sage House were graciously donated by Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation and Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. in Rochester, NY. Wegmans also provided in-kind donations of food for meals and snacks at Sage House, and DMJF funded a large part of the scholarship monies used by women in financial need.