Impact of a Mobile App-Based Waitlist Intervention on Readiness for Eating Disorder Treatment
Impact of a Mobile App-Based Waitlist Intervention (MI-Coach: ED) on Readiness for Eating Disorder Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
University of British Columbia
74 participants
Oct 21, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether a mobile app-based motivational interviewing intervention (MI-Coach: ED) can improve motivation and readiness for treatment in adults with eating disorders who are currently on waitlists for provincially funded eating disorder services in British Columbia. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the use of MI-Coach: ED improve overall motivation, confidence, and readiness for treatment compared to treatment-as-usual (waitlist with no intervention)? * Does the app help mitigate declines in motivation over time among waitlisted individuals? Researchers will compare participants using the MI-Coach: ED app to a delayed treatment control group to assess differences in motivation, readiness for treatment, and associated clinical outcomes. Participants will: * Treatment group: Use the MI-Coach: ED app for four weeks, completing interactive modules focused on motivation and readiness for change, while also completing weekly brief assessments of motivation. * Delayed treatment group: Remain on the waitlist with no intervention for four weeks while completing weekly brief assessments of motivation. After this period, they will receive access to the MI-Coach: ED app and be integrated into the treatment group. * Complete pre-test and post-test questionnaires at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks assessing motivation, eating pathology, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. This study aims to inform evidence-based practices for reducing the adverse effects of long waitlist durations on individuals with eating disorders.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Must self-identify as a woman, including cisgender or transgender individuals.
- Must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
- Currently on a waitlist to receive treatment for an eating disorder at provincially funded eating disorder programs in British Columbia.
- Meets criteria for a threshold or subthreshold eating disorder, including anorexia nervosa (restricting or binge/purge subtype), bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED).
- Able to read and understand English fluently.
- Owns or has regular access to a smartphone or mobile device capable of running the MI-Coach: ED app.
Exclusion Criteria6
- Does not identify as a woman, regardless of sex assigned at birth.
- Currently receiving active treatment for an eating disorder, such as outpatient therapy, inpatient care, or day programs.
- Diagnosed with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder or other psychotic disorder.
- Presence of a cognitive impairment or sensory deficit (e.g., severe visual or hearing impairment) that would interfere with the ability to use the app or complete study assessments.
- History of a recent traumatic brain injury or neurological condition that might impact participation.
- Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would interfere with the participant's ability to comply with the study protocol or complete the intervention.
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Interventions
The MI-Coach: ED mobile app is a self-guided intervention designed to enhance motivation and readiness for treatment in adults with eating disorders. The app includes seven sequential modules based on motivational interviewing (MI) principles, addressing ambivalence, self-acceptance, compassionate motivation, behavior change goals, sustain and change talk, commitment language, and relapse prevention. Each module incorporates interactive content, including educational videos, articles, and exercises, tailored to support motivation across a range of eating disorder diagnoses. The app is designed to be user-friendly and scalable, providing an accessible, cost-effective solution for individuals on waitlists for formal eating disorder treatment.
Locations(3)
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NCT06801197