QuEDs Eating Disorders: Inpatient care on Adult Wards Guidelines

This guideline is intended to offer recommendations for medical assessment and monitoring, nutritional assessment, and treatment as well as the critical nursing interventions when providing care for individuals with eating disorders or at risk of eating disorder. It also includes the psychological approaches for the multidisciplinary team (MDT) that can support the treatment in the acute care settings including the integral role of providing compassionate care whilst monitoring vital signs during the acute refeeding period.

This guideline provides guidance on the appropriate application of relevant legal frameworks, including the Mental Health Act 2016 (MHA2016) and the Guardianship and Administration Act (GAA) to inpatient eating disorders care.

National Strategy Standards and Actions

Treatment Hospital and Residential

Standard 1: There is sufficient access to hospital beds and residential care to meet the medical and psychiatric needs of children and adolescents, transition age groups (16-25), adults, and older adults.  

Action 1.3: State and territory governments to commission and implement state/territory-wide consistent clinical guidelines for admissions and inpatient care.