Patient's and general practitioner's perspectives regarding disturbed eating.

OBJECTIVES: We wanted to investigate the patient's expectations on the general practitioner's (GP) responsibilities in screening and follow up of disturbed eating behaviour. Then, we looked for remediation for some of the mentioned shortcomings in family medicine. We also examined if online aid (offered by the non-profit organisation "Eetexpert.be") is already known and used.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Anonymous patient questionnaires were gathered at 4 treatment centres for eating disorders or were collected with help of the Flemish patients organisation for eating disorders (Vlaamse Vereniging Anorexia Nervosa en Boulimia Nervosa). Later, online enquiries were sent to Flemish GPs.

RESULTS: Out of 123 patients responding to the questionnaire, 44 found their GP to have had an important supportive role in their healing process. Active listening and targeted referral were among the most appreciated interventions by those patients. 71 GPs replied the online enquiry. Only 1 out of 5 knew about the free online assistance of "Eetexpert.be". Responders suggested several additional barriers to care.

CONCLUSIONS: In Flanders there is a contrast between expectations and needs of patients on one hand compared to the services provided by GPs on the other. Reassuringly, all responding physicians were open to more education and support regarding eating disorder treatment.