Do Primary Care Providers Screen for Eating Disorders?

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the differences in nutritional assessments when performed by nurse practitioners, physicians, and physician assistants. Complete patient histories and physical records were assessed with the focus on the detection and prevention of eating disorders in female adolescents. Data included medical records of 111 female adolescents from a family practice with three separate sites. Primary care providers included two nurse practitioners, two physician assistants, and nine physicians. The null hypothesis that there is no difference in assessments of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians was rejected. A significant difference was found in the assessments of nurse practitioners and physicians (t = 2.62; p = .01). Nurse practitioners were found to be significantly more likely than physicians to perform assessment for eating disorders.