Page 1826 - Week 05 - Thursday, 8 May 2008
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(4) Yes. The University of Canberra currently provides body image workshops based on international and Australian research on promoting positive body image. There are four courses tailored to different groups; Adult males, Adult females, Older adolescents (aged 16 and over) and for parents who are concerned about developing positive body image in their children of any age. The courses are of six weeks duration and are run by a team of postgraduate clinical psychology students together with Dr Vivienne Lewis.
In addition, MindMatters ACT provides professional development workshops for teachers and parents. MindMatters is a national mental health initiative for secondary schools funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. It is implemented by the Australian Principals Associations Professional Development Council (APAPDC) and Curriculum Corporation.
MindMatters uses a whole school approach to mental health promotion, based on the principles of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Global School Health Initiative and the Australian National Health Promoting Schools framework. MindMatters considers a range of mental health and wellbeing determinants, including the significance of cultural context. Positive mental health and wellbeing have been strongly linked to improving schooling outcomes for young people.
(5) The success rate for clients admitted to the EDP is determined as follows: For clients attending the Anorexia Nervosa Day Program the generally recognised determinant of success is weight gain in at least 70% of those attending the Day Program. Percentage weight gain for the EDP Anorexia Nervosa Day Program clients are as follows: 2004-05 (82.4%), 2005-06 (66.6%), 2006-07 (77.7%).
For clients receiving therapy for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder the generally recognised determinant of success is a reduction in binge eating and purging. In 2005 a review of admission and discharge data indicated on average a reduction in bingeing and purging for all clients tested on admission and discharge.
On admission and discharge from the EDP all clients are required to undertake a range of outcome measures and the psychological assessment instrument the “Eating Disorders Inventory – 3”. These, together with anecdotal information from clients and carers enable the EDP to obtain a reasonable determination of success.
(6) Yes. The dietician at the EDP is part-time for 10 hours per week for participants in the Day Program. Clients can also be referred to other specialist services if required.
(7) Yes. The psychiatrist attends the EDP for half a day every week. As all clients who attend the EDP are required to have a GP, psychiatric support at half a day per week is considered sufficient. The EDP maintains active contact with the treating GP.
(8) Clients deemed to be “chronic” are treated by the EDP unless they indicate no motivation to attend for therapy and/or refuse to eat the meals in the Day Program. If they are medically compromised then discussions with the client’s GP and carers is initiated. If it is deemed necessary, an “Emergency Action” for assessment at the ACT Mental Health Psychiatric Unit or the Emergency Department of a public hospital will be undertaken. All clients with an identified eating disorder are treated by the EDP.
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