Promoting Optimal Collaboration Between Mental Health Providers and Nutritionists in the Treatment of Eating Disorders

Abstract

The mental health provider–nutritionist collaboration is a primary partnership in the treatment of eating disorders, and its integrity is important for good patient care. Utilizing critical incident qualitative methodology, 22 professionals who specialize in the treatment of eating disorders (12 mental health providers, 10 registered dieticians) were interviewed about instances of problems in collaborations between these two professions, and the impact and resolution of such conflicts. Findings were used to compile a list of best practices. Results are interpreted with reference to research on professional health care teams in medical settings. Implications for interprofessional education and training are discussed.

Acknowledgments

We thank Joanna Bressler, Shannon Casey, Lauren Kettmann, Bernie Perlstein and Michael H. Bond for their valuable contributions to an earlier version of this article.