Screening for Bulimia Nervosa in the Primary Care Setting: Educating Healthcare Providers on the use of the Most Valid and Reliable Screening Tools

Abstract

Abstract There are currently no routine screening guidelines for eating disorders in the primary care setting, despite their high mortality rate. Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is one of the hardest eating disorders to diagnose due to the lack of physical features and its secretive nature. Primary care providers need to have knowledge of the most valid and reliable screening tools in order to better diagnose and treat BN. In order to assess the most valid and reliable screening tools for BN, current literature was appraised with the focus on tools specifically designed for detection of BN. The results of the literature were translated into an educational tool and presented to healthcare team members at a pediatric primary care office in Burlington, Vermont. Pre and post-presentation questionnaires were distributed to attendees to gauge current knowledge around BN screening tools and gauge the efficacy of the presentation