Family-based Telemedicine vs. Inpatient Anorexia Nervosa Treatment (FIAT)
The FIAT study is finding out the best way to help young people aged 8 to 17 with anorexia nervosa. It's comparing two main treatments: Family-Based Treatment (FBT) delivered online via video calls, and standard hospital care (inpatient treatment). Researchers want to see which method works better for patients and how much each costs. The results could help decide if the online family therapy becomes a standard, approved treatment option in Germany, and if health insurance companies will cover its cost. This study is happening in many hospitals across Germany and is supported by the German Ministry of Health and several health insurance companies.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The FIAT study is looking into the most effective ways to treat anorexia nervosa, a serious eating disorder, in young people aged 8 to 17. Anorexia nervosa makes people worry a lot about their weight and what they eat, often leading them to eat very little. This study aims to find out if family-based treatment delivered through video calls (telehealth) is as good as, or even better than, staying in a hospital for treatment. Family-based treatment involves the family playing a key role in helping their child recover.
This research is important because it could change how young people with anorexia nervosa receive care. If the family-based treatment via video calls proves to be good, it could mean more convenient and less disruptive help for families, as their child wouldn't have to leave home for treatment. It might also show that this approach is a cost-effective way to provide care.
The findings of this study will be used to help make big decisions about healthcare in Germany. Specifically, they will help decide if this kind of online family therapy should become an official recommended treatment option and if German health insurance companies should pay for it. This could make getting help easier for many families in the future.
Key takeaways
- Compares two anorexia treatments for young people (8-17).
- Looks at online family therapy versus hospital care.
- Aims to see which is more effective and cost-efficient.
- Results could influence official treatment guidelines and insurance coverage in Germany.
- Participation requires a stable internet connection and being with a participating health insurer.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for young people aged 8 to 17 who have been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. They would typically be unwell enough to need hospital treatment, for example, if their weight is very low or if they're losing weight quickly without improvement from other treatments.
To join, participants need to be insured by one of the specific health insurance companies taking part in the study and have a steady internet connection at home. The study is open to both restrictive and bulimic types of anorexia nervosa.
However, some young people cannot join. If their weight is extremely low (below 67% of the healthy average for their height), or if there are immediate safety concerns like severe self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or signs of substance abuse, they wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if there are concerns about child abuse, domestic violence in the family, or if they're already in treatment due to a court order, they would not be eligible.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 8 and 18 years old?
- Do you have a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa?
- Would your doctor typically recommend hospital treatment for your condition?
- Do you have a stable internet connection at home?
- Are you insured by one of the specific health insurance companies taking part in the study?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you would either receive Family-Based Treatment via video calls at home or traditional hospital care. The study will very carefully check how well each treatment works and also look at the costs involved. You will have regular appointments and assessments throughout the study to monitor your progress and health. The total time you would be involved in the study includes both the treatment period and any follow-up checks to see how you are doing afterwards. Specific details on the number of visits, duration of treatment, and follow-up will be fully explained to you before you agree to participate.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Charité- Universitätsmedizin BerlinVerified postcodeBerlin, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder where a person tries to keep their weight as low as possible, often by eating very little or exercising excessively, because of an intense fear of gaining weight.
What is Family-Based Treatment (FBT)?
FBT is a type of therapy where the family plays a central role in helping a young person recover from anorexia nervosa, often by taking charge of their eating and helping them regain a healthy weight.
What does 'telehealth' mean?
Telehealth means getting healthcare services remotely, usually through video calls on the internet, so you can have appointments from home instead of travelling to a hospital or clinic.
Why is this study important for Germany?
The study will help German health officials decide if Family-Based Treatment via video calls should be a recognised and reimbursed treatment option for anorexia nervosa by health insurance companies.
Who is funding this study?
The study is funded by the Innovationsfonds of the German Ministry of Health, working with various German health insurance companies.
How to find out more
Verena K. Haas, Dr. oec. troph.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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