Enhancing our future health workforce’s ability to respond to eating disorders

·       Around 70% of individuals impacted by eating disorders and associated issues report not being linked with appropriate health professionals for treatment, suggesting no changes in the level of unmet need for treatment since 1989

·       Tertiary education providers have a key role in helping to build the capability of the future health and mental health workforce to respond to eating disorders, disordered eating and body image concerns

·       Currently, there is a lack of eating disorders content within tertiary courses in Australia across medicine, psychology, dietetics, occupational therapy, nursing, and psychiatry

·       Representatives from tertiary institutions and professional bodies agree that it is important to teach students about eating disorders

With more than one million Australians estimated to have an eating disorder in 2023, and an even larger number experiencing disordered eating and/or body image concerns, it is crucial that the tertiary education system equips the future health and mental health workforces with basic skills to recognise, respond, and support people experiencing these issues. This knowledge and skill provide a foundation which can continue to be built on once they enter the workforce.

Alarmingly, the majority of respondents in a recent survey of tertiary leaders and educators undertaken by the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) reported that eating disorder core competencies were not taught in their program. Respondents recognised the importance of teaching students about eating disorders and related concerns, but identified a range of barriers such as limited educator confidence and a lack of time to embed contemporary evidence into course content.  

NEDC has identified a range of strategic and practical initiatives to enhance the consistency and coverage of eating disorders within tertiary curricula, and will be working closely with sector partners, professional bodies and tertiary institutions to support these initiatives to be adopted. This work aligns with key priority actions outlined in the recently released National Eating Disorders Strategy 2023-2033, which provides a comprehensive and practical roadmap for reform over next decade.   

See a full copy of the the Eating Disorders Training in Tertiary Education Scoping Review and Recommendations report here.