Procedures and Protocols for Weight Assessment During Acute Illness in Individuals With Anorexia Nervosa: A National Survey
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
5-1-2018
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Weight assessment is a key component of nursing care for individuals with the acute illness of anorexia nervosa (AN). However, there is little data to guide protocols and procedures regarding weight assessment. OBJECTIVE: To describe institutional practices regarding weight assessment of individuals during acute illness of AN. DESIGN: Treatment facilities (N = 24) completed a survey about written protocols and procedures regarding weight assessment and disclosure of weight to patients. RESULTS: The majority of facilities (n = 22; 92%) have written protocols for weight assessment. Weight assessments occurred mostly in the morning (n = 23; 95.8%), in hospital gowns (n = 21; 87.5%), and after voiding (n = 14; 58.3%). Respondents described mixed practices for disclosing weight to patients. CONCLUSION: Results indicate widespread variability in weight assessment and disclosure of weight. Further research is necessary to help develop evidence-based guidelines about weighing practices during acute illness for individuals with AN.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association
Volume
24
Issue
3
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Kelly-Weeder, Susan, Meredith Kells, Karen Jennings, Julie Dunne, and Barbara Wolfe. "Procedures and Protocols for Weight Assessment During Acute Illness in Individuals With Anorexia Nervosa: A National Survey." Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association 24, 3 (2018): 241-246. doi: 10.1177/1078390317717790.