Eating Disorder Needs Assessment in Southern Tasmania, December 1997

In 1997 the Community Nutrition Unit (Department of Health and Human Services) undertook a needs assessment which surveyed people with an eating disorder, their families and friends and health professionals working in the area.

The survey aimed to assess the adequacy of Tasmanian services in the prevention, early detection and treatment of eating disorders. Recommendations were made for future funding and for the better coordination of existing services.

Findings of the needs assessment included:

•    61% of people seeking help for eating disorders reported they had difficulties finding
     help. Most felt that general support and information was difficult to access.
     Another difficulty included the lack of support groups for sufferers and their family
     and friends.

•    85% of the survey respondents felt that help wasn’t received early enough.
     They felt strongly that there should be more accessible information about
     eating disorders and their early warning signs, and that doctors needed more
     information about how to identify an eating disorder.

•    80% of service providers and 69% of people seeking help believed that services
     for the treatment and support of people with eating disorders were inadequate.
     In particular, the areas which are perceived to be lacking include: no
     dedicated specialised eating disorder service / unit exists; lack of knowledge of
     existing services; lack of coordination of services and limited support for sufferers
     and family members. People seeking help also reported a lack of experience, training
     and knowledge of health workers in eating disorders.

Recommendations from the needs assessment included:

•    Increasing public access to information and support via the establishment of a resource
     and support service (an Eating Disorder Association).

•    Education among the general public, health workers and teachers regarding prevention
     and early detection of eating disorders.

•    Increase co-ordination of existing services.

•    Funding for a specialist multidisciplinary eating disorder service or unit.
     Some steps have been taken to progress these recommendations.
     If you would like a copy of the Summary Report of the Needs Assessment click here, or
     contact the Community Nutrition Unit, Monday to Friday between 9am - 5pm ,
     tel: (03) 6222 7222, Fax (03) 6222 7252 or,
     email: community.nutrition@dhhs.tas.gov.au
  

Tasmanian Resources:

Many other products and resources are available on loan from the Community Nutrition Unit.
You can contact them on tel: (03) 6222 7222 or  FAX 6222 7252
click here for more details on the Community Nutrition Unit.