The Right Care Right Place: Eating disorder care in my community (RCRP) project

Background 

Amidst the growing prevalence of eating disorders, developing an effective care coordination and service navigation model will support early intervention and access to an appropriate level of care for those experiencing eating disorders, their families and supports. The Sunshine Coast Eating Disorder Access Trial, and its ensuing Transitions ED Care Project, found the role of the Care Coordinator a critical component of the model for supporting workforce development and assisting individuals/families navigate barriers to accessing the care system.(1) 

What are we aiming to do? 

Funded as part of the $20 million Mental Health Program Community-Based Eating Disorder Supports grant from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, the Right Care Right Place (RCRP) project seeks to establish a more accessible and integrated system of care through the introduction of an Eating Disorder Coordinator model, aligned with the National Eating Disorder Collaboration (NEDC)’s stepped system of care. The project is embedded in five geographically diverse jurisdictions across Australia, in partnership with four Primary Health Networks (PHNs): Adelaide, North Western Melbourne, Northern Territory (Top End and Central Australia), and Western Queensland.

Why?  

To improve availability and effectiveness of eating disorder care in primary health settings. RCRP outcomes will inform future decisions on the sustainable scaling of the model across Australia to ensure broader impact. This is a key bottom-up initiative aligned with the National Eating Disorders Strategy 2023-2033. 

Implementation Approach 

The development and early implementation phase of RCRP has involved complex stakeholder management and a flexible, localised approach to integrated the EDC role. PHNs have recruited or commissioned Project Leads and/or EDCs, who have been working with NEDC and Flinders University to ensure projects are implemented with sustainability, feasibility, effectiveness and impact in mind.

This is an infographic depicting the stepped system of care for eating disorders and the key activities of the Eating Disorder Coordinator role. It depicts a person stepping into the care system, and states the goal of the project - that people have access to the right care, in the right place in a timely manner

RCRP project outcomes 

  • Health professionals have the skills and confidence to identify, refer, and provide treatment appropriate to the scope of their roles 
  • Culturally appropriate and inclusive support and treatment is available in each RCRP PHN region for people at risk of, or experiencing eating disorders and their families 
  • Reduced duplication and enhanced utilisation of existing resources 
  • Primary care and psychosocial workers, community groups involving people at high risk, and families can identify warning signs and locate support in each RCRP region 
  • The Stepped System of Care for eating disorders is mapped in each RCRP region detailing accessible pathways to care 

Project Implementation Partners

See the drop down links below for more information about project implementation partners and contacts: 

Adelaide

Adelaide PHN has commissioned the role of 'Service Navigator (Eating Disorders)' to Neami National. Neami are the provider of Adelaide PHN's Head to Health Phone and Digital Intake Service.

For more information, contact Stacey Roy, Project Lead. E: sroy@adelaidephn.com.au 

North Western Melbourne

The RCRP Service Navigator in North Western Melbourne PHN (NWMPHN) will work alongside the internal Access and Referral Team, and are activating a comprehensive strategy to integrate and improve eating disorder treatment pathways in the region.

For more information, contact Cathy Wyett, Project Lead. E: cathy.wyett@nwmphn.org.au, or go to the NWMPHN webpage here.

Northern Territory

Northern Territory PHN has commissioned the project to two existing primary health care service providers to ensure adequate regional coverage. Both sites have recruited an Eating Disorder Care Coordinator who are currently building and strengthening pathways to care and supporting workforce development. 

Top End

Anglicare, based in Darwin, contact Jacqui Cleghorn. E: rightcarerightplace@anglicare-nt.org.au

Central

Alice Springs Hospital, contact Grace Dwyer. E: grace.dwyer@nt.gov.au 

Western Queensland

Western QLD PHN has commissioned Vital Health to deliver the project pilot of Eating Disorder Coordinators across their South West Region.

For more information, contact Abby Smith, Project Lead. E: AbbyS@vitalhealthqld.com.au 

Flinders University

Find out more about the Flinders University independent evaluation of the RCRP project here.

Contact Chief investigator, Dr Madelaine de Valle. E: madelaine.devalle@flinders.edu.au 

 

Check back here for updates on the RCRP project and its ongoing efforts to advance the quality and accessibility of eating disorder care.

For any queries, contact via email at rcrp@nedc.com.au.

This study has been approved by Flinders University's Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID 6785).

References

1. Johnson, C., Cook, L., Cadman, K. et al. Evaluating an implementation model of evidence-based therapy for eating disorders in non-specialist regional mental health settings. J Eat Disord 10, 170 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00695-7