Reviewing the efficacy of community-based treatment for eating disorders

Abstract

Approximately 1-2.9 million people meet the diagnostic criteria for eating disorders (EDs) in Canada. The McMaster Research Shop conducted research on the potential for community-based models to treat individuals experiencing EDs, including its cost-effectiveness and effectiveness in terms of patient outcomes. Results show that hospitalizations and outpatient care for ED cost the healthcare system approximately $58M and $180M - 522M CAD per year (based on data from 2017-2018), respectively. Community-based treatment has the potential to reduce healthcare system costs by using a stepped-care and triage approach to treatment and is on par with and at times superior to conventional treatments for EDs. Given the potential for cost-effectiveness and improved patient outcomes, community-based treatment models are likely to ahve positive impacts on the Canadian healthcare system.