Introduction
Eating disorders (EDs) are heterogeneous syndromes with severe physical, psychological, and social effects. The COVID-19 epidemic has exacerbated these issues, underlining the need for new screening and intervention strategies for susceptible areas. As a result, this paper reviews suggested screening techniques for ED patients and proposes evidence-based interventions to improve their holistic health. For instance, EDs have increased during the pandemic, requiring a thorough understanding of at-risk population identification and treatment options. The study reviews the literature to provide a thorough overview of screening methods, such as digital tools and telehealth services for early detection and timely intervention. To promote multimodal treatment, it will examine cognitive-behavioral therapy, nutritional counseling, and support group involvement. It then addresses the complexity of EDs and related COVID-19-exacerbated problems to help design tailored therapies and support methods.
Background
Eating disorders (EDs), including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, are complex illnesses having genetic, environmental, and psychological causes. Most importantly, the COVID-19 pandemic has made EDs’ struggles worse. In the early stages of the pandemic, Termorshuizen et al. (2020) found that ED patients experienced increased psychological distress and treatment disruptions. As a result, it increased the need for practical and accessible screening tools. In the context of the pandemic, timely detection and intervention for EDs requires novel solutions that address the particular problems of the global health catastrophe. It highlights the need for broad and adaptable measures to help people navigate EDs and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Challenges Imposed in Practice
Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic has made eating problem screening harder. The vulnerable group has been hit hard by the epidemic, which has limited healthcare access, treatment delays, and social isolation. Telehealth services, while beneficial, have hindered in-person tests and interventions, necessitating a rethink of current methods. In this case, innovative solutions are needed to provide effective and accessible ED care, building resilience in the healthcare system and affected communities. To meet patients’ particular demands and promote holistic well-being during these difficult times, virtual screening and support network improvements are essential.
Literature Review
Current research suggests that integrating telehealth into clinical practice may help screen and treat eating disorders (EDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic (Raykos et al., 2021). Telehealth can help ED patients receive ongoing monitoring, therapeutic interventions, and vital support. Termorshuizen et al. (2020) also note the early pandemic impact on self-reported ED patients, underlining the necessity for prompt and comprehensive interventions to meet their changing requirements. In addition, Weissman, Bauer, and Thomas (2020) encourage expanded access to evidence-based care to preserve ED patients’ continuum of support throughout these difficult periods. Moreover, Touyz, Lacey, and Hay (2020) emphasize the pandemic’s tremendous influence on eating disorder patients and the need for new and adaptive therapy and support. Consequently, the studies demonstrate the importance of a comprehensive and flexible healthcare approach that integrates telehealth solutions, evidence-based care, and timely interventions to ensure the well-being and recovery of ED patients, especially given the COVID-19 pandemic.
Intervention Idea
Most importantly, a comprehensive telehealth-based ED screening program is proposed to address pandemic challenges. Remote evaluation tools, virtual counseling, and online support groups for ED patients would be part of this initiative. The intervention will prioritize patient confidentiality and informed consent. Of great importance, this intervention was chosen because it can improve access to care, support, and treatment continuity for at-risk populations (Weissman et al., 2020). Telehealth allows healthcare providers to reach more patients regardless of location and give timely, holistic well-being interventions.
In addition, technology to improve patient-centered care is the focus of this intervention, which fits the changing healthcare landscape. The project promises to promote holistic well-being and sustainable recovery for ED patients by addressing their multifaceted requirements more wholly and inclusively. Telehealth technology can help healthcare practitioners give continuous support and care during the worldwide pandemic by creating a more dynamic and integrated system.
Nursing Education and Practice Implications
The telehealth-based screening approach requires a complete overhaul of nursing education and practice. In response to this paradigm change, nursing school programs must offer thorough training modules to prepare aspiring nurses to traverse virtual healthcare platforms. The training sessions should cover modern technology, remote evaluations, and virtual communication abilities (Termorshuizen et al., 2020). More so, these programs should also emphasize the importance of compassion and sympathy online so that future nurses can deliver holistic patient care.
However, telehealth integration requires reevaluating existing practices and adopting novel methods in nursing practice. The shift emphasizes the significance of therapeutic partnerships in virtual care environments, establishing trust and security for remote healthcare patients (Raykos et al., 2021). As a result, nurses must understand the subtleties of providing tailored care through virtual channels to ensure high-quality, patient-centered care despite distance. Therefore, integrating telehealth into nursing practice requires developing abilities that fit with the changing healthcare landscape, encouraging efficient and effective nursing care in varied contexts.
Discussion/Implications/Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent emphasis on telehealth for eating disorder (ED) screening shows its vital role in providing accessible and uninterrupted therapy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed telehealth-centered screening project addresses ED challenges in a holistic and patient-focused manner that fits the changing healthcare landscape. Telehealth tools in nursing education and practice will help create a flexible healthcare framework that meets the needs of vulnerable populations. Thus, by adopting these technologies, the healthcare industry may better meet the complex needs of at-risk populations, improving quality and accessibility.
References
Raykos, B. C., Erceg‐Hurn, D. M., Hill, J., Campbell, B. N., & McEvoy, P. M. (2021). Positive outcomes from integrating telehealth into routine clinical practice for eating disorders during COVID‐19. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 54(9), 1689–1695.
Termorshuizen, J. D., Watson, H. J., Thornton, L. M., Borg, S., Flatt, R. E., MacDermod, C. M., … & Bulik, C. M. (2020). Early impact of COVID‐19 on individuals with self‐reported eating disorders: A survey of~ 1,000 individuals in the United States and the Netherlands. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(11), 1780-1790.
Touyz, S., Lacey, H., & Hay, P. (2020). Eating disorders in the time of COVID-19. Journal of eating disorders, pp. 8, 1–3.
Weissman, R. S., Bauer, S., & Thomas, J. J. (2020). Access to evidence‐based care for eating disorders during the COVID‐19 crisis. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 53(5), 639-646.
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