Browsing by Author "Nicula, Maria"

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    A qualitative evaluation of team and family perceptions of family-based treatment delivered by videoconferencing (FBT-V) for adolescent Anorexia Nervosa during the COVID-19 pandemic
    (2022-07-26) Couturier, Jennifer; Pellegrini, Danielle; Grennan, Laura; Nicula, Maria; Miller, Catherine; Agar, Paul; Webb, Cheryl; Anderson, Kristen; Barwick, Melanie; Dimitropoulous, Gina; Findlay, Sheri; Kimber, Melissa; McVey, Gail; Paularinne, Rob; Nelson, Aylee; DeGagne, Karen; Bourret, Kerry; Restall, Shelley; Rosner, Jodi; Hewitt-McVicker, Kim; Pereira, Jessica; McLeod, Martha; Shipley, Caitlin; Miller, Sherri; Boachie, Ahmed; Engelberg, Marla; Martin, Samantha; Holmes-Haronitis, Jennifer; Lock, James
    Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, outpatient eating disorder care, including Family-Based Treatment (FBT), rapidly transitioned from in-person to virtual delivery in many programs. This paper reports on the experiences of teams and families with FBT delivered by videoconferencing (FBT-V) who were part of a larger implementation study. Methods Four pediatric eating disorder programs in Ontario, Canada, including their therapists (n = 8), medical practitioners (n = 4), administrators (n = 6), and families (n = 5), participated in our study. We provided FBT-V training and delivered clinical consultation. Therapists recorded and submitted their first four FBT-V sessions. Focus groups were conducted with teams and families at each site after the first four FBT-V sessions. Focus group transcripts were transcribed verbatim and key concepts were identified through line-by-line reading and categorizing of the text. All transcripts were double-coded. Focus group data were analyzed using directed and summative qualitative content analysis. Results Analysis of focus group data from teams and families revealed four overarching categories—pros of FBT-V, cons of FBT-V, FBT-V process, and suggestions for enhancing and improving FBT-V. Pros included being able to treat more patients and developing a better understanding of family dynamics by being virtually invited into the family’s home (identified by teams), as well as convenience and comfort (identified by families). Both teams and families recognized technical difficulties as a potential con of FBT-V, yet teams also commented on distractions in family homes as a con, while families expressed difficulties in developing therapeutic rapport. Regarding FBT-V process, teams and families discussed the importance and challenge of patient weighing at home. In terms of suggestions for improvement, teams proposed assessing a family’s suitability or motivation for FBT-V to ensure it would be appropriate, while families strongly suggested implementing hybrid models of FBT in the future which would include some in-person and some virtual sessions. Conclusion Team and family perceptions of FBT-V were generally positive, indicating acceptability and feasibility of this treatment. Suggestions for improved FBT-V practices were made by both groups, and require future investigation, such as examining hybrid models of FBT that involve in-person and virtual elements. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04678843 .
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    ItemOpen Access
    A study protocol for implementing Canadian Practice Guidelines for Treating Children and Adolescents with Eating Disorders
    (2024-01-05) Couturier, Jennifer L.; Kimber, Melissa; Ford, Catherine; Coelho, Jennifer S.; Dimitropoulos, Gina; Kurji, Ayisha; Boman, Jonathan; Isserlin, Leanna; Bond, Jason; Soroka, Chelsea; Dominic, Anna; Boachie, Ahmed; McVey, Gail; Norris, Mark; Obeid, Nicole; Pilon, David; Spettigue, Wendy; Findlay, Sheri; Geller, Josie; Grewal, Seena; Gusella, Joanne; Jericho, Monique; Johnson, Natasha; Katzman, Debra; Chan, Natalie; Grande, Chloe; Nicula, Maria; Clause-Walford, Drew; Leclerc, Anick; Loewen, Rachel; Loewen, Techiya; Steinegger, Cathleen; Waite, Elizabeth; Webb, Cheryl; Brouwers, Melissa
    Abstract Background Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates among psychiatric illnesses. Timely intervention is crucial for effective treatment, as eating disorders tend to be chronic and difficult to manage if left untreated. Clinical practice guidelines play a vital role in improving healthcare delivery, aiming to minimize variations in care and bridge the gap between research and practice. However, research indicates an active guideline implementation approach is crucial to effective uptake. Methods Mixed methods will be used to inform and evaluate our guideline implementation approach. Semi-structured focus groups will be conducted in each of the eight provinces in Canada. Each focus group will comprise 8–10 key stakeholders, including clinicians, program administrators, and individuals with lived experience or caregivers. Qualitative data will be analyzed using conventional content analysis and the constant comparison technique and the results will be used to inform our implementation strategy. The study will then evaluate the effectiveness of our implementation approach through pre- and post-surveys, comparing changes in awareness, use, and impact of the guidelines in various stakeholder groups. Discussion Through a multifaceted implementation strategy, involving the co-creation of educational materials, tailored training, and context-specific strategies, this study intends to enhance guideline uptake and promote adherence to evidence-based practices. Our study will also contribute valuable information on the impact of our implementation strategies.
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    Correction: A qualitative evaluation of team and family perceptions of family-based treatment delivered by videoconferencing (FBT-V) for adolescent Anorexia Nervosa during the COVID-19 pandemic
    (2022-12-08) Couturier, Jennifer; Pellegrini, Danielle; Grennan, Laura; Nicula, Maria; Miller, Catherine; Agar, Paul; Webb, Cheryl; Anderson, Kristen; Barwick, Melanie; Dimitropoulos, Gina; Findlay, Sheri; Kimber, Melissa; McVey, Gail; Paularinne, Rob; Nelson, Aylee; DeGagne, Karen; Bourret, Kerry; Restall, Shelley; Rosner, Jodi; Hewitt-McVicker, Kim; Pereira, Jessica; McLeod, Martha; Shipley, Caitlin; Miller, Sherri; Boachie, Ahmed; Engelberg, Marla; Martin, Samantha; Holmes-Haronitis, Jennifer; Lock, James