Long queues and regional differences characterize eating disorder care

According to the government decision, there are still major shortcomings and regional differences in eating disorder care. Therefore, the Inspectorate for Care and Care (IVO) has been tasked with reviewing the specialized eating disorder care for children, young people and adults.

The aim is to identify shortcomings in care and ensure that patients receive good quality care regardless of where in the country they live. Frisk & Fri views the decision positively.

- It is very good that eating disorder care is getting more attention. At the same time, we hope that it is also followed up on how the national guidelines are applied in different parts of the country, says Helena Forsman, impact manager at the eating disorder organization Frisk & Fri.

Long queues and regional differences are worrying

According to Frisk & Fri's latest care report, the biggest problem in Swedish eating disorder care is the availability of treatment. Long waiting times and regional differences in competence, quality of care and the ability to adapt the treatment to the individual's needs are highlighted as particular challenges.

- The biggest improvement for patients would be to increase access to care and ensure that there is equal, high-quality care regardless of place of residence, says Forsman.

Relatives also need support

An eating disorder affects not only the person who is ill, but also the family and other close relatives. According to Helena Forsman from Frisk & Fri, relatives' needs for support need to be given a clearer place in care.

- Relatives often need both information, guidance and their own support to be able to handle the situation. Therefore, it is important that care has functioning routines to involve relatives.

Desire for a more flexible care chain

Frisk & Fri calls for a more cohesive care chain for people with eating disorders and increased knowledge about the diseases within the entire health care system.

- The more knowledge there is about eating disorders throughout the care chain, the easier it will be for those who need help to get the right support, says Forsman and continues:

- In addition, the experiences of people who have themselves been affected and their relatives should be used more in the development of care, as they provide valuable knowledge for evaluating and improving efforts.