An exploration into the possible factors that can prevent a general practitioner from the early identification of an eating disorder in their patients/clients

Abstract

This study focuses on the range of factors that may prevent a General Practitioner from the early identification of an eating disorder (ED) in their patients/clients. A pilot studied carried out by McDermott (2016) highlighted that GPs in the Cork area felt they did not have a broad knowledge base of eating disorders and how best to recognise and treat them (McDermott, 2016). As this research design is also being run in conjunction with the Eating Disorder Centre Cork (EDCC) through the Community Academic Research Links (CARL) initiative, it was the aim of this research design to carry out further research on this pilot study. The aim of this research is to explore GPs knowledge of and experience with eating disorders in their practice, as well as the perceived challenges they could encounter when they may be presented with an eating disorder case, or a suspected eating disorder. It is the intention of the researcher to investigate this topic through the use of semi-structured interviews which are qualitative in nature. Through a process of semi-structured interviews within a qualitative methodology, the aim of this research project is to develop a more in depth understanding of the factors that may prevent a GP from the early diagnosis of an eating disorder among their patients/clients