Acceptability and feasibility of SUCCEAT, an intervention for parents of adolescents with anorexia nervosa

Objective"Supporting Carers of Children and Adolescents with Eating Disorders in Austria" (SUCCEAT), a skills training for parents, delivered via workshops (WS) or online modules (ONL), has been proven to be effective in terms of parental distress, caregiver skills, and adolescents' outcome. This study examined the adherence to and the acceptability and feasibility of SUCCEAT.MethodOne-hundred parents (86% mothers) of adolescents with anorexia nervosa participated in the 8-week training. Parents were assigned to the WS (n = 50) or ONL (n = 50) format using a quasi-randomised design. Adherence, acceptability, and feasibility were assessed using self-report questionnaires.ResultsAdherence to the sessions was high (66%-98%) for both groups. The usage of the material was comparable between the groups. However, in the WS group, participants actively approached the coaches (71.8% vs. 48.9% often/very often) or other parents (63% vs. 4.4% often/very often) more often. Perceived helpfulness was high in both groups, overall satisfaction and practicability were higher in the WS group.ConclusionsGood adherence, acceptability, and feasibility were confirmed for both formats of SUCCEAT, with minimal advantages of the WS regarding satisfaction and contact with other parents and coaches. Thus, both formats can be recommended for implementation in clinical routine. Adherence, acceptability, and feasibility were high for both SUCCEAT formats (workshop or online). Although SUCCEAT was perceived as similar helpful in both formats, satisfaction was slightly higher in the workshop group. Both formats can be recommended for implementation into clinical routine.