Implementation and evaluation of digital treatment for patients with eating disorders
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Karolinska Institutet - Stockholms centrum för ätstörningar, FoU-enheten |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 924 438 |
| Project duration | September 2017 - October 2019 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Medtech4Health innovators |
| Call | Medtech4Health:Innovators in Healthcare 2017 |
Important results from the project
The purpose and goal of the project was to develop a digital treatment, based on cognitive behavioral therapy, for patients with eating disorders as well as to evaluate its usefulness and implementation. The treatment, entitled NÄRA, was developed through an iterative assessment of usability and developement. NÄRA has been implemented in clinical care and is avaliable via the 1177 platform ”Stöd och behandling”. The degree of goal fulfillment for the project was good.
Expected long term effects
Since the spring 2019, NÄRA is offered as a regular treatment option at the Stockholm Center for Eating Disorders (SCED). Patients from all over the country are eligible to apply for the treatment, and thus more patients can receive evidenced-based care for eating disorders. Evaluation of the implementation is ongoing and knowledge of barriers and success factors in connection with implementation has been generated and will continue to be generated.
Approach and implementation
NÄRA was developed through a user-centered design. End users, i.e., patients, clinicians and patient advocacy groups were all involved in the development. End users participated in repeated focus group interviews and Think-aloud observations, which generated knowledge of treatment usability. Iterative steps with prototypes and usability tests contributed to the development of the final product. Continued evaluation of usability is ongoing, through the collection of quantitative data via questionnaires.