On Wednesday, 15th May 2024, Black Swan Health hosted a very successful GP education event on Eating Disorder Management in Primary Care at our Osborne Park location. The workshop, held from 6:00 pm to 8:30 PM, was attended by 30 participants, predominantly GPs, along with several Black Swan Health team members. The event was RACGP approved, offering 4 CPD points.
Key Highlights:
The event commenced with Ray Midwood, our Psychology Services Manager, who performed the acknowledgment of country, introduced Black Swan Health’s services, and the esteemed panel of experts. We also took the opportunity during this time to promote the Black Swan Street Doctor service and advertise GP opportunities available.
Our main presenter, Janet Fountaine shared her vast experience in nursing, highlighting her work with WAEDOCS and her contributions to eating disorder management education. Her insights underscored the importance of quality care and local healthcare reforms.
Black Swan Health’s own Sara Vaz and Michelle Sladden made key contributions to the presentation. Sara, an ANZAED Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician, discussed the application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E), highlighting the importance of evidence-based psychological interventions. Michelle, an Accredited Practicing Dietitian endorsed by the Butterfly Foundation, covered the dietetic treatment of eating disorder patients, focusing on personalised, recovery-oriented approaches and the vital role of dietitians in collaborative care.
Learning Outcomes:
The workshop was designed to enhance the understanding and management of eating disorders in primary care settings. Key learning outcomes included:
- Understanding the NEDC Stepped System of Care: Participants learned about the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) framework, which provides a structured approach to managing eating disorders across the continuum of care.
- Role of GPs: The critical role of GPs in early detection, assessment, and referral to appropriate treatment pathways was emphasised.
- Case Study Review: Through a real-life case study, participants gained practical insights into the assessment and management of eating disorders, focusing on early intervention and evidence-based referral processes. This time also allowed for questions and answer session as well as sharing more about what Black Swan Health has to offer. It was a highlight of the event and highly beneficial.
Feedback from Attendees:
The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the event’s success in fostering a collaborative approach to patient care. Participants appreciated the depth of knowledge shared by the expert panel and the practical application of the information presented.
Benefits and Impact:
The high attendance and positive feedback reflect the event’s impact and the ongoing need for such educational initiatives. We look forward to continuing our commitment to professional development and improving patient care outcomes through similar events in the future.
