The Effectiveness and Feasibility of the New Maudsley Collaborative Care Approach Skills-Based Training for Carers of Individuals With an Eating Disorder in the Netherlands

Abstract

Objective: People with eating disorders (EDs) often need intensive help from loved ones. The New Maudsley Collaborative Care Approach (NMCCA) skills-based training supports carers in this role. This study examined the effectiveness and feasibility of the NMCCA-training for carers in the Netherlands. Methods: Participants were parents of 12–25-aged individuals with a (provisional) ED diagnosis. The training consisted of five online sessions in 6 weeks. Outcomes included carers' levels of confidence in ED-related caregiver skills, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and health-related quality of life. A paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared outcomes after to before the training. An Analysis of Covariance examined changes in ED-related caregiver skills confidence over time, controlling for baseline anxiety traits. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using Visual Analogue Scales. Results: Of the 37 carers who started the training, 33 completed both before and after training assessments. Carers evaluated the training as feasible and helpful, which was also reflected by a significant increase in ED-related caregiver skills confidence (staying robust when controlling for baseline anxiety traits). Conclusions: Findings contribute to research showing the effectiveness of the NMCCA skills-based training, alongside showing its potential for improving ED-related caregiver skills in Dutch carers.