Mobile App for Eating Disorders

(MI-Coach: ED Trial)

This trial tests a mobile app called MI-Coach: ED, designed to boost motivation and readiness for treatment in adults with eating disorders who are waiting for care in British Columbia. It compares people using the app to those just waiting, assessing whether the app helps maintain motivation and readiness for treatment. Participants will either start using the app immediately or after a short wait. Women currently on waitlists for eating disorder treatment with access to a smartphone might be a good fit for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions for eating disorder care.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on using a mobile app to improve motivation for treatment, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.

Research shows that the MI-Coach: ED app is generally safe and user-friendly. In earlier studies, many participants tried the app, with 67.6% starting to use it and 44% completing at least four parts. These studies primarily assessed the app's usability and acceptability. No major safety issues have been reported. Adapted from an existing platform developed by mental health experts, the app is based on a proven system. Although the app itself is new, the platform has been safely used before. Overall, research has noted no negative effects, suggesting the app is safe to use.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the MI-Coach: ED app because it offers a unique, digital approach to enhancing motivation and readiness for change in individuals with eating disorders. Unlike traditional therapies that often require in-person sessions, this app provides an accessible, flexible solution, allowing users to engage with interactive modules at their own pace. The app focuses on key topics such as self-acceptance and behavior change strategies, aiming to empower users beyond the capabilities of conventional treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy. By providing immediate feedback and ongoing assessments, this app has the potential to sustain motivation and improve clinical outcomes in a way that is both innovative and user-friendly.

Research has shown that the MI-Coach: ED app can increase motivation and readiness for treatment in people with eating disorders. In this trial, participants in the Immediate Treatment Group will start using the app right away, while those in the Delayed Treatment Group will initially remain on a waitlist. One study found that app users felt more motivated and confident than those on a waitlist who did not use the app. Early results also suggest that the app might help maintain motivation over time, which is crucial when waiting for treatment. The app includes interactive sections that assist users in managing mixed feelings and enhancing self-acceptance, both vital for managing eating disorders while awaiting treatment. These early findings indicate that MI-Coach: ED could be beneficial for those experiencing long waits for eating disorder services.¹²³⁶⁷