Drop-In Access to Specialist Services for Eating Disorders: A Qualitative Study of Patient Experiences

Abstract

Lack of patient motivation and dropout are common problems in the treatment of eating disorders. The present study explored patient experiences with open access to specialist eating disorder services through a drop-in program aiming to enable early identification of eating disorders, address motivational problems, and strengthen the therapeutic alliance. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were used to explore the experiences of 11 individuals attending the program. Results suggest that drop-in access may strengthen the therapeutic alliance, motivate engagement in treatment, and reduce dropout. Strengths and weaknesses of the program are discussed and the need for more systematic research is elaborated.