This controlled-comparison pilot study will explore whether individuals receiving usual treatment (CBT) from the specialist NHS Tayside Eating Disorders Service and accessing the online self-help Smart Eating programme have improved treatment outcomes compared to those receiving usual treatment only. All participants would be involved in the trial for 6 months, capturing their motivation for change, eating disorder psychopathology and quality of life at four time-points (pre-treatment, mid-treatment, end of treatment, 3-month follow-up). Some participants may continue to receive usual treatment after study end, which will be detailed in the study analysis. Following trial completion, all participants will be able to access the Smart Eating programme. The study will also explore acceptability of the Smart Eating self-help programme via a feedback questionnaire to inform programme adaptations and a possible pragmatic randomised controlled trial planned for the future. Currently, no other UK study is piloting the use of the Smart Eating programme as an adjunct to specialist NHS eating disorder treatment.
A pilot study exploring whether individuals receiving usual treatment (CBT) from the specialist NHS Tayside Eating Disorders Service and accessing the online self-help Smart Eating programme have improved treatment outcomes compared to those receiving usual treatment only. The study will also explore acceptability of the Smart Eating self-help programme via a feedback questionnaire.