New practice standards for clinicians treating eating disorders In a first of their kind, new practice standards for “Eating disorders are highly complex and debilitating
health practitioners treating eating disorders have been released, with a NSLHD eating disorder dietician instrumental in their development. The Australia and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) – the peak body for eating disorder professionals - has published training standards for clinicians to provide guidance on the minimum level of knowledge and skills needed to competently treat patients with eating disorders. Dr Gabriella Heruc, NSLHD Eating Disorder Dietitian and ANZAED working group chair and spokesperson, said implementation of the practice standards would bring eating disorder treatment closer to best practice; ultimately improving treatment outcomes, reducing financial costs to patients and services and lead to better health outcomes. nursing staff will undergo a new development program to enhance their critical care skills. The program involves rotating staff – with two to four years of critical care experience – through the emergency department, intensive care unit and operating theatres over six months. Registered nurses Rachel
psychiatric conditions that sadly, affect adults, adolescents and children as young as five,” she said. “Given the serious psychological, social and physical complications associated with eating disorders, treatment is complex to manage and requires well-coordinated multidisciplinary treatment.” training standards were recently published in the Journal of Eating Disorders. Dr Heruc said tertiary health education programs generally provide limited training in eating disorders, and graduates often entered the workforce with inadequate skills needed to The ANZAED eating disorder treatment principles and general clinical practice and work in this field. “The new practice standards outline the knowledge, practical skills and experience required to competently manage and treat patients with Smith, Adrian Caputo and Kim Flores will be the first to undertake the program and broaden their knowledge base and extend their professional portfolios. Ryde Hospital Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Drew Hilditch-Roberts said the program is about creating a competent, confident and flexible critical workforce local to
Dr Gabriella Heruc
an eating disorder which will consequently improve treatment outcomes for patients,” she said. To access the standards, visit ANZAED eating disorder treatment principles and general clinical practice and training standards. There are two free open access webinars on Monday 1 February that interested mental health professionals and dietitians can join to hear more about the new practice standards. Register: bit.ly/3c7wDsh Ryde. “Staff who take part will return to their departments with new skills and learnings that will benefit their department and the patients they care for,” he said. “This local program will better place staff members who wish to go on to participate in the district clinical accreditation program (CAP).”
Ryde’s Critical Care Professional Development Program Three Ryde Hospital
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 1 | 29 JANUARY 2021
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