Abstract
Objective: Eating disorders characterized by binge eating are prevalent yet under-recognized, limiting access to effective care. The digital, programme-led (self-help) version of Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT-E) offers a potentially scalable treatment. This study gathered insights from individuals with lived experience of binge eating (LE) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) to inform the design of a randomized controlled trial evaluating the intervention's effectiveness and to support early-stage implementation planning.
Method: Four focus groups were conducted with 20 participants (8 with LE, 12 HCPs). Discussions explored recruitment strategies, participant engagement, meaningful outcome measures, and barriers to implementation. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Two overarching themes were identified: (1) Reach People in Accessible and Supportive Ways, and (2) Be Open to Different Experiences of Progress. Participants emphasized inclusive recruitment and compassionate, hopeful messaging. Stigma and limited recognition of binge eating were cited as recruitment barriers in healthcare settings. Both groups recommended community and online platforms to enhance reach. Participants stressed the importance of outcomes beyond symptom reduction (e.g., emotional well-being) and qualitative methods to capture recovery narratives. Findings also highlighted implementation-relevant factors, including how interventions are framed and delivered, and how engagement can be optimized.
Discussion: Perspectives from individuals with LE and HCPs support a person-centred trial aligned with the needs of those experiencing binge eating and those providing care, while considering both evaluative and implementation priorities. Findings inform strategies to enhance reach and understanding of digital intervention outcomes, contributing to trial designs that are consistent with real-world care and meaningful to participants.
Method: Four focus groups were conducted with 20 participants (8 with LE, 12 HCPs). Discussions explored recruitment strategies, participant engagement, meaningful outcome measures, and barriers to implementation. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Two overarching themes were identified: (1) Reach People in Accessible and Supportive Ways, and (2) Be Open to Different Experiences of Progress. Participants emphasized inclusive recruitment and compassionate, hopeful messaging. Stigma and limited recognition of binge eating were cited as recruitment barriers in healthcare settings. Both groups recommended community and online platforms to enhance reach. Participants stressed the importance of outcomes beyond symptom reduction (e.g., emotional well-being) and qualitative methods to capture recovery narratives. Findings also highlighted implementation-relevant factors, including how interventions are framed and delivered, and how engagement can be optimized.
Discussion: Perspectives from individuals with LE and HCPs support a person-centred trial aligned with the needs of those experiencing binge eating and those providing care, while considering both evaluative and implementation priorities. Findings inform strategies to enhance reach and understanding of digital intervention outcomes, contributing to trial designs that are consistent with real-world care and meaningful to participants.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | International Journal of Eating Disorders |
| Early online date | 1 Sept 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 1 Sept 2025 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2025 The Author(s). International Journal of Eating Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Data Availability Statement
Research data are not shared.Acknowledgements
We are grateful to our patient and public advisory group for their input and guidance throughout this research. Their contributions, including involvement with study design, recruitment (including the information sheet), and dissemination of findings, have been invaluable. We also extend our sincere thanks to all participants who generously shared their time and experiences to make this research possible.Funding
R.M. and this study are supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) (NIHR301553). J.P. is funded by, and this research was also supported by, the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Oxford and Thames Valley and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre | |
| Thames Valley | |
| National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration Oxford and Thames Valley | |
| National Institute for Health and Care Research | NIHR301553 |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
Keywords
- binge eating disorder
- digital intervention
- focus groups
- healthcare professionals
- lived experience
- qualitative
- randomized controlled trial
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health
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