Procedures and Protocols for Weight Assessment During Acute Illness in Individuals With Anorexia Nervosa: A National Survey.

BACKGROUND

Weight assessment is a key component of nursing care for individuals with the acute illness of anorexia nervosa (AN). However, there is little data to guide protocols and procedures regarding weight assessment.

OBJECTIVE

To describe institutional practices regarding weight assessment of individuals during acute illness of AN.

DESIGN

Treatment facilities ( N = 24) completed a survey about written protocols and procedures regarding weight assessment and disclosure of weight to patients.

RESULTS

The majority of facilities ( n = 22; 92%) have written protocols for weight assessment. Weight assessments occurred mostly in the morning ( n = 23; 95.8%), in hospital gowns ( n = 21; 87.5%), and after voiding ( n = 14; 58.3%). Respondents described mixed practices for disclosing weight to patients.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate widespread variability in weight assessment and disclosure of weight. Further research is necessary to help develop evidence-based guidelines about weighing practices during acute illness for individuals with AN.