The Effectiveness and Feasibility of the New Maudsley Collaborative Care Approach Skills-Based Training for Carers of Individuals With an Eating Disorder in the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVE

People with eating disorders (EDs) often need intensive help from loved ones. The New Maudsley Collaborative Care Approach (NMCCA) skills-based training supports carers in this role. This study examined the effectiveness and feasibility of the NMCCA-training for carers in the Netherlands.

METHODS

Participants were parents of 12-25-aged individuals with a (provisional) ED diagnosis. The training consisted of five online sessions in 6 weeks. Outcomes included carers' levels of confidence in ED-related caregiver skills, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and health-related quality of life. A paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared outcomes after to before the training. An Analysis of Covariance examined changes in ED-related caregiver skills confidence over time, controlling for baseline anxiety traits. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using Visual Analogue Scales.

RESULTS

Of the 37 carers who started the training, 33 completed both before and after training assessments. Carers evaluated the training as feasible and helpful, which was also reflected by a significant increase in ED-related caregiver skills confidence (staying robust when controlling for baseline anxiety traits).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings contribute to research showing the effectiveness of the NMCCA skills-based training, alongside showing its potential for improving ED-related caregiver skills in Dutch carers.