Procedures and Protocols for Weight Assessment During Acute Illness in Individuals With Anorexia Nervosa: A National Survey. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelly-Weeder, Susan; Kells, Meredith; Jennings, Karen; Dunne, Julie; Wolfe, Barbara
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. Volume 24:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 241
• Page End: 246
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: anorexia nervosa -- weight -- treatment assessment and planning -- psychiatric nursing practice; Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; 616.890231
• DOI: 10.1177/1078390317717790
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-3903

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.