Eating Disorders for Primary Health Nurses
Overview
Primary Health Nurses work across a range of health and community-based settings such as general practice, community health centres and schools. This places them in a position to detect and support people with eating disorders which often go undetected. Nurses with awareness and expertise in eating disorders can acknowledge and address these serious illnesses to provide an early intervention and better outcomes for people.
This course will provide Primary Health Nurses with knowledge and tools in prevention, identification, screening, and management of patients with eating disorders. Nurses will develop strategies and confidence in talking to and supporting people with eating disorders, awareness of at risk groups and the stigma that is associated with these illnesses. They will also learn about the relevant guidelines available that inform the evidenced based treatment of eating disorders in Australia.
Any registered nurse working in the Australian primary health setting will benefit from this course; interested others may also attend.
What you'll learn
By the end of this course, you will:
- Describe the different eating disorder diagnoses and develop an increased knowledge of prevalence rates, at risk groups and the stigma that surrounds this illness group affecting patient outcomes.
- Explain the importance of early detection, screening and early intervention in the treatment of eating disorders
- Develop strategies and confidence in supporting someone with an eating disorder, including talking about eating disorder behaviours and weighing accurately and sensitively
- Identify the medical and psychiatric risks of eating disorders and demonstrate knowledge in the management of these and the relevant guidelines available.
Charles Perkins Centre
Aims
We aim to leave you feeling empowered to detect at an early stage patients who present with other issues but whose eating disorders are often unacknowledged. You will be equipped to screen the patient and to safely and effectively support them using evidence-based tools.
The focus of the course
- Early Detection and Screening: Learning how to identify the signs and symptoms of eating disorders early, using evidence-based screening tools.
- Understanding Eating Disorder Diagnoses: Gaining in-depth knowledge of various eating disorders, including their prevalence and the impact of societal stigma.
- Developing Support Strategies: Creating practical, sensitive strategies for supporting individuals with eating disorders, including effective communication and accurate weight assessment techniques.
- Risk Assessment and Management: Identifying and managing the medical and psychiatric risks associated with eating disorders, with a focus on applying current best practices and guidelines.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Understanding the role of the multidisciplinary team in treating eating disorders and learning how to coordinate care effectively
Content
Module 1
What are eating disorders?
- Introduction
- Prevalence
- Common misperceptions
- Stigma
Module 2
- Identification
- Engagement and symptomatology (Detection and SCOFF)
- Therapeutic engagement
- Symptoms and behaviours
- Weighing
Module 3
Risks and Management of Eating Disorders, involving:
- Medical and psychological monitoring
- Identifying risk and indicators for hospitalisation
- Relapse and triggers
- Working with GPs
- Evidence-based treatment
Conclusion
Quiz, assessment, references, resources
The course is suitable for registered nurses in Australia. Others may attend if interested.
Self-paced online learning consisting of approximately 15 hours.
Once enrolled, the course is open to students for 12 weeks. It is advised that students complete it in the first 5 weeks, and allow time for assignment submission and marking before week 9.
It is assumed you have completed Registered nurse or Enrolled nurse or have equivalent knowledge.
Screen and assess a case (provided) for an eating disorder and develop a management plan. Include the relevant screening tools and guidelines used, risks identified and evidence-based treatment options and that inform your plan. Describe how you would talk to someone about their illness behaviour, provide examples.
All course materials are provided electronically in PDF and video form. Additional resources and references are not compulsory but are provided for those interested in further study in this field.
Marks, P. and Mulvey, B., 2024. Eating disorders. In: K. Foster, P. Marks, A.J. O’Brien and T. Raeburn, eds. Mental health in nursing: Theory and practice in clinical settings. 6th ed. Elsevier, pp. 246–272.
Upcoming classes
Facilitators
Bridget Mulvey
