http://repub.eur.nl/res/aut/43871/ List of Publications en http://repub.eur.nl/static-eur/img/logo.png http://repub.eur.nl http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/29531/ 2008-05-01T00:00:00Z Objective: The aims of this study were to investigate the quality of treatment of eating disorders (EDs) from the therapists' and patients' perspective and to compare their views. Method: The Questionnaire for Eating Problems and Treatment (QEPT) was administered to 73 therapists working with patients with ED, to 156 current ED and 148 former ED patients. The QEPT addresses the quality of treatment of EDs. ED diagnosis was assessed by the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Answers were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: Both therapists and patients most often mentioned focus of treatment, therapeutic alliance, and communicational skills as important aspects of the quality of treatment. However, they valued similar topics differently. Therapists valued the focus on ED symptoms and behavioral change more highly, whereas patients underscored the importance of the therapeutic relationship and addressing underlying problems. Most therapists work from a cognitive behavioral orientation, but protocol-based treatment was not found important. Conclusion: There is an avid need for dissemination of evidence-based treatment. Therapists' and patients' views supplement current evidence-based knowledge on treatment quality of EDs. Optimal treatment of EDs will be facilitated when these three bodies of knowledge - the available evidence and the therapists' and patients' views - are integrated. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/35983/ 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z Objective: This study investigated the personal views of eating disorder (ED) patients on their quality of life (QOL). Method: The views of 146 current ED patients and 146 former ED patients on their QOL were studied using a self-report questionnaire. Patients were requested to name the most important aspects of their life and they subsequently rated themselves on these aspects. Qualitative analysis clustered items into meaningful categories. Results: A sense of belonging was mentioned most often (93.0%) by the participants. Work or education, health and well-being were also mentioned frequently. Furthermore, participants stated a sense of self, disease-specific psychopathology, life skills, leisure activities, a sense of purpose, financial situation, living condition, and pets. Current ED patients more frequently mentioned disease-specific psychopathology than former ED patients. Current ED patients reported poor QOE on most domains, particularly on self-image and well-being. Former ED patients reported better QOL than current ED patients, but ratings were just above average. Conclusion: The views on QOL of ED patients broadens the scope of relevant domains of QOL. The assessment of these views may be a useful adjunct to the use of standardized QOL measures.