Background: Response to treatment in anorexia nervosa entails various challenges, including an increased risk of relapse and re-admission in those treated as inpatients. A better understanding of patients’ experiences is paramount to improve treatment acceptability and outcome. This qualitative study aimed to explore the lived experiences of adult female inpatients undergoing a specialist inpatient treatment programme for anorexia nervosa. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 21 female participants (aged 18-41 years) with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, undergoing treatment in a specialist inpatient eating disorder unit. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Results: Qualitative analysis highlighted 5 master themes which underpinned treatment experiences: (1) Shifts in control, (2) Experience of transition, (3) The importance of supportive staff relationships, (4) Sharing with peers and (5) Process of recovery and self-discovery. Conclusions: Overall, findings suggest patients experience a process of change and adjustment during inpatient treatment in relation to their levels of perceived control, attachment to the treatment environment and a sense of self-identity. Treatment experiences appear to be influenced by the development of supportive relationships and the provision of individualised care.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:563798 |
Date | January 2012 |
Creators | Smith, Vivien |
Contributors | Newman, Emily; Peck, David. : Morris, Paul. : Collin, Paula |
Publisher | University of Edinburgh |
Source Sets | Ethos UK |
Detected Language | English |
Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
Source | http://hdl.handle.net/1842/6285 |
Page generated in 0.0018 seconds