Study of the Effectiveness of a Systematic Minimal Early Intervention on Care Engagement in Adults With Eating Disorders Requesting Specialized Treatment.
This study called AGIS-TCA aims to help adults with eating disorders in the Île-de-France region of France get the care they need sooner. Many people with eating disorders struggle to start treatment due to long waits, shame, or lack of understanding. This can lead to people giving up before they even begin. The study is testing a new program with regular phone calls and online support groups for patients while they are waiting for their specialist treatment to start. Researchers want to see if this extra support helps more people attend their first appointment and stay involved in their care. It's a low-risk study focused on making access to important treatment easier and preventing conditions from worsening.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Eating disorders, like anorexia and bulimia, are serious conditions that affect how people eat and think about their body weight. These conditions can cause major health problems and often appear when people are young adults. While it's really important to get help early, many people face difficulties. Sometimes, there are long waiting lists for specialist services, or people might feel ashamed, or not fully realise how serious their condition is. This can lead to delays in getting treatment, or even people dropping out before they've even started.
This study, called AGIS-TCA, wants to find a better way to support people during this difficult waiting period. At the mental health clinic where this study is happening in Paris, about 1 in 4 people who ask for help with an eating disorder don't end up starting treatment. They might not finish their paperwork or miss their first appointment. This study is testing if a bit of early, organised support can make a difference.
The support program involves three phone calls at set times and five online group sessions. These calls and sessions are designed to keep in touch with patients, give them information, check their needs, and help them stay motivated while they wait for their main treatment to begin. The researchers compare what happens to people in this new program with what happened to similar patients in the past who didn't receive this extra support. They want to see if more people get to start their treatment and stay engaged in their care.
Key takeaways
- This study helps adults with eating disorders access care.
- It provides support (phone calls, online groups) during waiting times.
- The goal is to stop people from dropping out of treatment.
- Participation is remote and involves low risk.
- Eligible individuals must be adults in the Île-de-France region seeking help from a specific clinic.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for adults aged 18 or older who live in the Île-de-France region of France. You must have asked for help for an eating disorder (like anorexia or bulimia) from the specific mental health clinic mentioned in the study (CMME, GHU Paris Psychiatrie & Neurosciences).
There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 30 kg/m², as these patients are usually sent to different specialised services. You also need to speak and understand French well enough for phone calls, and not have any hearing or speaking problems that would make talking on the phone very difficult.
Finally, if you're already getting specialist care for your eating disorder elsewhere, or if you don't want to be part of the study, or if you're under certain legal protection measures, you wouldn't be able to join.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you live in the Île-de-France region of France?
- Have you asked for specialist care for an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia) at the CMME clinic?
- Can you understand and speak French well enough for phone conversations?
- Are you NOT currently receiving specialist eating disorder treatment elsewhere?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, your participation will mainly involve remote interactions. This means you won't need to visit the clinic in person more often than you would for your usual care. The intervention includes three structured phone calls from the study team. These calls will happen around 7 days, 45 days, and 90 days after you first ask for care. You'll also be offered five online support group sessions, each lasting about an hour, which will take place every two weeks. These online groups are led by a team of different healthcare professionals and cover various topics related to eating disorders. The total duration of your participation in this specific support program would be during your waiting period for specialist treatment.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- GHU Paris Psychiatrie et NeurosciencesVerified postcodeParis, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of eating disorders is this study looking at?
This study is for people seeking help for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
Do I have to live in a specific area to join?
Yes, you must live in the Île-de-France region of France to be eligible for this study.
What does 'lost to follow-up' mean?
It means people who ask for specialist help but then don't end up starting their treatment, for example, by not attending their first appointment.
Is this program a replacement for my usual eating disorder treatment?
No, this program is designed to support you during the waiting period before your main specialist treatment starts, not to replace it.
Will I have to pay to join this study?
No, participating in a clinical study should not cost you anything.
How to find out more
OUIZA Mme MANSEUR, PROJECT MANAGER
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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