“The credential did make a difference”: eating disorder treatment with ANZAED credentialed clinicians: carer perspectives

Background: The Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) has developed the Credential that recognises the qualifications, knowledge and professional development training, including continuing professional development (CPD), that comprise the minimum standard for the safe and effective delivery of treatment for an eating disorder. The current study sought to explore whether the anticipated benefits have translated into positive eating disorder treatment experiences with credentialed clinicians from carers’ perspectives. Methods: Thirteen carers of people living with an eating disorder (ED) were interviewed about their perceptions and experiences of ED treatment from clinicians awarded the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential. Semi-structured interview transcripts were analysed with an inductive thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes with embedded subthemes were generated. Theme one explored treatment experiences prior to the launch of the Credential in November 2021. Theme two captured carers’ attitudes and perceptions of the Credential, including perceived benefits, other priorities, and suggestions for further improvement. The final theme explored carers’ treatment experiences with credentialed clinicians that were related to greater perceived knowledge and understanding and experiences of personalised therapeutic approaches to care. Conclusions: These findings hold important implications for future considerations of credentialing of ED clinicians and proposals for refinements of the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential. Carers perceived the Credential to enhance quality of care and support, however, many noted that broader systemic issues were limiting its reach. Further efforts are needed to increase awareness and facilitate access to credentialed clinicians through key referral pathways.