The intensive outreach programme for child and adolescent eating disorders: an uncontrolled case series of clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes
Abstract
Introduction: Despite growing interest, empirical evidence remains limited for the efficacy of intensive outpatient programmes (IOPs) for eating disorders (EDs), particularly outside the USA. No prior studies have examined the delivery or effectiveness of IOPs for children and young people in the UK. This study addresses this gap by presenting pilot data from a UK-based community IOP embedded within an existing child and adolescent ED service.
Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of young people aged 12-18 years referred to the IOP at the Maudsley Centre for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders between February 2024 and August 2025. Eligible participants had a diagnosis of an ED according to ICD-11 criteria, or disordered eating requiring acute admission, and completed the IOP treatment. Data were collected on referral pathways, demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment course, and outcomes, including change in weight and self-reported ED/mental health symptoms.
Results: During the recruitment period the IOP served a heterogeneous cohort of 68 young people with high rates of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental comorbidity. Treatment delivery included outreach on paediatric wards, intensified outpatient treatment, and consultation with wider care networks. Mean duration of the IOP was 24 days (SD = 10.7). Most participants demonstrated improved weight trajectory (mean weight gain = 4.5% mBMI, SD = 6.8, p < 0.001). ED symptom psychopathology did not…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health. Reported size: 68 participants or records.
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