Ecological momentary interventions for eating disorders: a systematic review of the nascent science and recommendations for future research
Abstract
Ecological momentary interventions (EMIs) deliver real-time, technology-based support in everyday settings. They have been used as standalone treatments or adjuncts to traditional care, with growing but still limited evidence supporting their effectiveness. EMIs offer a method for reducing barriers to care such as high costs, stigma, and limited access to providers – issues particularly relevant to eating disorder (ED) treatment, given the expense of inpatient care and the scarcity of specialized providers. This review examines existing research on EMIs for ED treatment, their design and content, and directions for future research. We conducted a systematic review of EMI studies for EDs using PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Following screening for eligibility, we extracted data on study population, EMI design, and outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Quality Assessment Tool (EPHPP). Our search identified 279 unique studies, of which eight met inclusion criteria. EMI notification content, timing, and delivery method varied across studies. Most studies included self-report or monitoring measures (7/8; 87.5%) to inform momentary delivery of tailored interventions. The effectiveness of EMIs showed mixed results. Of the two randomized-controlled trials included, both investigated EMIs as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and found that EMIs did not significantly enhance symptom reduction or…
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