The financial and service provision implications of a new eating disorders service in a paediatric hospital

Abstract

Objective: To report the burden of care and financial cost of a new Eating Disorders service within a paediatric teaching hospital. Method: A 39-month period before and after the inception of a child and adolescent Eating Disorders service was studied. Medical records were analysed to compare the burden of care, including number of admissions and bed-days, during the comparison period. The financial implications of the new service were also investigated. Results: The number of individuals referred, assessed and offered treatment was significantly greater following the inception of the ED Team. The number of admissions and total bed-days utilised significantly increased. The burden of care was shifted to the medical ward. The overall service cost increased by 108% from baseline. However, the cost per-admission and per-inpatient decreased by 40% and 48% respectively. Conclusions: There are compelling psychological and medical arguments why children and adolescents with Eating Disorders warrant a coordinated team approach. The inception of such a team is likely to create significant financial economies. However, the overall hospital burden of care will significantly rise.