The Butterfly Foundation, the leading national charity supporting individuals in Australia affected by eating disorders, has announced the launch of the Next Steps Outpatient Program.
This pioneering program, generously funded by public donations and a $2.8 million grant from the Department of Health, seeks to revolutionise post-inpatient treatment support and make long-term eating disorder recovery a reality.
“We know that person-centred stepped care is the most effective way to treat someone with an eating disorder, but currently step-down support after hospital or residential centres is missing for many people,” Natalie Spicer, Head of Clinical and Support Services at Butterfly Foundation says.
“We are confident that Butterfly’s Next Steps Outpatient Program will help make recovery a reality and reduce the revolving door of hospital admissions by better coordinating mental and physical healthcare, nutritional and carer support after someone leaves inpatient treatment.”
While it’s important to note that 72% of individuals can achieve full recovery and an improved quality of life when under the care of skilled health professionals, a substantial 25% of people grappling with eating disorders continue to endure severe and enduring illnesses.
The Next Steps Program, one of the first of its kind in Australia, bridges this critical gap in care by offering an essential intermediate level of support following inpatient treatment. This transitionary phase is pivotal in reducing relapse and readmission rates after individuals leave hospitals or residential programs.
Open for applications for its inaugural intake in early 2024, Next Steps is an intensive outpatient program designed to accommodate 10-12 participants.
It offers a minimum of 3 hours of support per day, spanning 3 days a week over an 8-week duration. The program is led by a multidisciplinary team, ensuring comprehensive care. It includes weekly individual psychology sessions, dietetic guidance, and peer worker sessions, structured meal support, group programs, psychoeducational sessions, and support groups for carers. Participants will also benefit from nursing support and regular case conferences with a GP or psychiatrist to ensure seamless treatment continuity.
A distinguishing feature of Next Steps is its virtual nature, making it accessible to individuals residing in regional or remote areas, where community services post-inpatient treatment are often scarce. This virtual approach addresses a significant barrier, with 94% of people with eating disorders expressing the challenges of living in regional and remote Australia when seeking help.
Sarah Cox, who has lived experience of Anorexia Nervosa, underscores the critical need for post-inpatient support.
“Dedicated, intensive support on a day-to-day basis after leaving inpatient care was what helped me transition home successfully, with a plan and appointments booked in advance. A program like Next Steps would have been a lifeline for me and will be essential to help keep those with eating disorders out of the hospital and in the community,” she says.
The Next Steps program was developed coaboratively by a team of health professionals, with valuable input from an expert advisory group, individuals with lived experiences of eating disorders, and their caregivers.
It will undergo rigorous evaluation by an independent team of university researchers, with outcomes reported to the Department of Health and Ageing.
Help and Support
Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact:
· Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or [email protected]
· Eating Disorders Victoria Helpline on 1300 550 23
· For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14
Or head to the Butterfly Foundation here.
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