Mind the Gap! An examination of the interface between primary and secondary healthcare for eating disorders
This research looks at the interaction and communication going on between different types of healthcare for eating disorders
Purpose of research
The purpose of this research is to explore the interaction and communication going on between two types of healthcare – primary care (e.g., school counsellor/nurse, practice nurse, GP) and secondary care (e.g., mental health or eating disorder teams) – this is called an ‘interface’.
The researchers want to explore different types of opinions and experiences on the way eating disorders are dealt with and treated across different types of healthcare settings, to see if there are any problems at the interface that may affect how quickly and well eating disorders are diagnosed and treated.
Who can take part?
Researchers at Swansea University are looking for people who self-identify themselves as suffered/are suffering from an eating disorder and people who are close to someone with an eating disorder (e.g., parent, sibling, partner, friend).
What it involves
- Participating in this research will involve taking part in one group discussion, known as a ‘focus group’.
- People with an eating disorder and those close to someone with an eating disorder will be in separate focus groups.
- Each focus group is expected to take about 1-2 hours.
- You will be asked to sign a consent form, stating that you wish to take part in the research
- Participation in this research is completely voluntary, therefore you can withdraw from the study at any time.
- Volunteers will be reimbursed for their time and travel expenses.
At the end of the study the researchers will share their findings with any participants who wish to know the results and copies of any publications. The findings from this study will help the researchers to make good recommendations to health professionals to help change the way eating disorders are recognised and treated across the interface in the future.
How to take part
If you would like more information or wish to take part in this research, please contact Gemma Johns or Jacinta Tan on 01792 513289 (If the line is busy or unavailable, please leave a message on the answer machine and the researcher will call you back) or email Gemma.Johns@Swansea.ac.uk or j.o.a.tan@swansea.ac.uk
Principal Investigator
Jacinta Tan, Clinical Associate Professor, College of Medicine, Swansea University