A feasibility study comparing a web-based intervention to a workshop intervention for caregivers of adults with eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To assess for the validity of a future trial, the current feasibility study aimed to compare the feasibility and efficacy of a web- and workshop-based education intervention for caregivers of adults with eating disorders.

METHODS: Psychoeducation was provided to caregivers, who were randomly assigned to a web or workshop condition. Independent samples t tests were conducted to analyse the between-group effect sizes for intervention condition with regard to change over time. A random selection of participants from each intervention provided qualitative feedback about their experiences.

RESULTS: Overall, participants reported positive experiences in both education interventions. From baseline to the end of intervention, small between-group effect sizes were observed for changes in caregiver accommodation, problem-solving abilities, the quality of psychological health, and the quality of social relationships, favouring the web-based intervention, and changes in expressed emotion in the family context, caregiver burden, perceived stress, and the quality of the environment, supporting the workshop intervention.

CONCLUSIONS: There was a difference in initial feasibility of the web intervention. A future large-scale trial of these interventions is supported by the results of this feasibility study.