Integrating Care for Eating Disorders At Home And At University
University Challenge was a research project undertaken in 2013 to assess the impact of university transitions on access to treatment for students with eating disorders. The report involved engaging students, professionals and other key stakeholders in exploring the challenges students face. The research has shown that NHS services are not adapted to the transient nature of student life and that there is little targeted support for the specific needs of students.
The launch of our ‘Transitions Campaign’
Although our research initially focused on eating disorders, through our consultation process we have found that the same issues apply to students accessing support for any mental or physical health problem. In particular, the provision of care for students does not follow commissioning guidelines, which state that transient populations should receive the same level of care as permanent patients. Whilst there are examples of best practice in some cities, a postcode lottery for student support exists and students in many parts of the UK are facing particular problems in accessing support services. Recognising this we launched a campaign calling on the Department of Health to fill the gaps in student mental health support.
Read the full report below which includes quotes from some of the many students, professionals and parents surveyed during the research process.
The launch of our ‘Transitions Campaign’
Although our research initially focused on eating disorders, through our consultation process we have found that the same issues apply to students accessing support for any mental or physical health problem. In particular, the provision of care for students does not follow commissioning guidelines, which state that transient populations should receive the same level of care as permanent patients. Whilst there are examples of best practice in some cities, a postcode lottery for student support exists and students in many parts of the UK are facing particular problems in accessing support services. Recognising this we launched a campaign calling on the Department of Health to fill the gaps in student mental health support.
Read the full report below which includes quotes from some of the many students, professionals and parents surveyed during the research process.
Key findings
Moving to university
Moving to university involves moving away from established support networks, yet it can take months for a new referral to a specialist eating disorder service to be processed. As such, even those who have been recently discharged from specialist inpatient or day-patient services may spend their first months at university with no access to specialist support. Of the professionals surveyed, 96% felt that students do not get specialist care as quickly as they would like and the average wait for an appointment with a specialist service is 5 months.
Accessing support at home and at university
Another key area of concern is the impact of repeatedly moving between home and university support services. Of the professionals surveyed, 92% felt that a student’s treatment was negatively affected by these transitions. Moving between services results in additional paperwork and poor access to patient records, as well as disrupting the development of therapeutic relationships. 83% of students had problems accessing support from their home GP and many reported being refused access to specialist services ranging from blood tests to psychological support whilst registered as a temporary patient. This is despite clear NHS guidance that makes provision for the funding of care for temporary residents [Commissioning Development Directorate ‘Who Pays?’ guidance, 2013].
Moving to university involves moving away from established support networks, yet it can take months for a new referral to a specialist eating disorder service to be processed. As such, even those who have been recently discharged from specialist inpatient or day-patient services may spend their first months at university with no access to specialist support. Of the professionals surveyed, 96% felt that students do not get specialist care as quickly as they would like and the average wait for an appointment with a specialist service is 5 months.
Accessing support at home and at university
Another key area of concern is the impact of repeatedly moving between home and university support services. Of the professionals surveyed, 92% felt that a student’s treatment was negatively affected by these transitions. Moving between services results in additional paperwork and poor access to patient records, as well as disrupting the development of therapeutic relationships. 83% of students had problems accessing support from their home GP and many reported being refused access to specialist services ranging from blood tests to psychological support whilst registered as a temporary patient. This is despite clear NHS guidance that makes provision for the funding of care for temporary residents [Commissioning Development Directorate ‘Who Pays?’ guidance, 2013].
