Evaluating the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of Interprofessional Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa and Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study
4 affiliations
- 1School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Australia
- 2Eating Disorders and Nutrition Research Group (ENRG), School of Medicine Translational Health and Medical Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University Sydney Australia
- 3School of Psychological Science The University of Western Australia Perth Australia
- 4The Richardson Group Perth Australia
Abstract
Objective: Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT‐E) is the leading outpatient treatment for eating disorders but is typically delivered by a single clinician and does not routinely incorporate interprofessional expertise. In broader healthcare settings, Interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP), characterized by role clarity, shared values, structured communication, and teamwork, is associated with improved patient, clinician, and organizational outcomes. Interprofessional Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT‐IE) adapts CBT‐E by embedding IPCP through co‐delivery by a mental health professional and dietitian. This pilot evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of CBT‐IE for adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN in outpatient settings.
Method: In this single‐group mixed‐methods pilot (ACTRN12622000305729), adults with AN or atypical AN were recruited from two Australian private practices and received up to 40 sessions over 12 months. Feasibility was assessed via recruitment, retention, and treatment dose, and explored alongside acceptability through post‐treatment interviews. Preliminary effectiveness outcomes included body mass index (BMI), eating disorder psychopathology, psychosocial functioning, intuitive eating, and dietary intake.
Results: Sixteen participants enrolled; 12 completed treatment (75% retention; mean 27.2 sessions). BMI increased significantly with a large effect (d = 0.98), and eating disorder psychopathology decreased significantly (d = 1.01). Psychosocial impairment and intuitive eating showed non‐significant improvements with moderate effects. Dietary intake data were limited by missingness. Qualitative findings highlighted the central role of dietitians, the importance of interprofessional relationships, and areas for refinement.
Conclusions: CBT‐IE was feasible, highly acceptable, and showed promising clinical outcomes. A fully powered trial is warranted to evaluate efficacy, cost‐effectiveness, and implementation across diverse outpatient settings.
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BibTeX
@article{bray2026evaluating,
title = {{Evaluating the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of Interprofessional Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa and Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study}},
author = {Megan Bray and Gabriella Heruc and Susan Byrne and Kate Fleming and Olivia R. L. Wright},
journal = {The International Journal of Eating Disorders},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1002/eat.70176},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.70176},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Evaluating the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of Interprofessional Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa and Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study
AU - Megan Bray
AU - Gabriella Heruc
AU - Susan Byrne
AU - Kate Fleming
AU - Olivia R. L. Wright
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/30
JO - The International Journal of Eating Disorders
DO - 10.1002/eat.70176
UR - https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.70176
AB - Objective: Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT‐E) is the leading outpatient treatment for eating disorders but is typically delivered by a single clinician and does not routinely incorporate interprofessional expertise. In broader healthcare settings, Interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP), characterized by role clarity, shared values, structured communication, and teamwork, is associated with improved patient, clinician, and organizational outcomes. Interprofessional Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT‐IE) adapts CBT‐E by embedding IPCP through co‐delivery by a mental health professional and dietitian. This pilot evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of CBT‐IE for adults with anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical AN in outpatient settings. Method: In this single‐group mixed‐methods pilot (ACTRN12622000305729), adults with AN or atypical AN were recruited from two Australian private practices and received up to 40 sessions over 12 months. Feasibility was assessed via recruitment, retention, and treatment dose, and explored alongside acceptability through post‐treatment interviews. Preliminary effectiveness outcomes included body mass index (BMI), eating disorder psychopathology, psychosocial functioning, intuitive eating, and dietary intake. Results: Sixteen participants enrolled; 12 completed treatment (75% retention; mean 27.2 sessions). BMI increased significantly with a large effect (d = 0.98), and eating disorder psychopathology decreased significantly (d = 1.01). Psychosocial impairment and intuitive eating showed non‐significant improvements with moderate effects. Dietary intake data were limited by missingness. Qualitative findings highlighted the central role of dietitians, the importance of interprofessional relationships, and areas for refinement. Conclusions: CBT‐IE was feasible, highly acceptable, and showed promising clinical outcomes. A fully powered trial is warranted to evaluate efficacy, cost‐effectiveness, and implementation across diverse outpatient settings.
SN - 0276-3478
SN - 1098-108X
ER -