Effect of a specialist eating disorders service on the knowledge and attitudes of local health professionals.
This study investigated the effect of a specialist eating disorders service on the attitudes and knowledge of local healthcare professionals. A questionnaire was sent to fully qualified psychiatrists, postgraduate trainees in psychiatry and general (internal) medicine, general practitioners (family physicians) and dietitians in two comparable cities: Leicester (which had a specialist eating disorders service) and Nottingham (which did not). Psychiatrists in training in Leicester had a greater knowledge of eating disorders than those in Nottingham. There was greater satisfaction with services in Leicester but no difference in attitudes. The presence of a local eating disorders service enhances postgraduate training and increases knowledge.
Winston
A P
AP
Eating Disorders Unit, Woodleigh Beeches Centre, Warwick Hospital, Warwick, UK. Anthony.Winston@SWarkPCT.nhs.uk
Baxter
H
H
Rogers
D
D
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004046:Dietetics; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine; D008297:Male; D008511:Medicine; D010821:Physicians, Family; D011570:Psychiatry; D013038:Specialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom