Table 3 Categories and subcategories emerging from qualitative analysis among families (n = 21 family members; 5 focus groups)

Pros of FBT-V

Convenience

8 Participants, 12 references

Comfort

6 Participants, 9 references

Cost-effectiveness

8 Participants, 8 references

Virtual platform used in this study

7 Participants, 5 references

Ease of use for children

3 Participants, 5 references

Cons of FBT-V

Technical difficulties

7 Participants, 13 references

Trouble building a connection with therapist

7 Participants, 13 references

Feeling anxious

6 Participants, 9 references

Lack of familiarity with the virtual format

3 Participants, 3 references

FBT-V process

Family meal

5 Participants, 7 references

Patient weighing

8 Participants, 9 references

Impact on weight gain and eating disorder symptoms

10 Participants, 12 references

Repeated reminders by therapists

4 Participants, 6 references

Increased knowledge about eating disorders

4 Participants, 6 references

Treatment focus

4 Participants, 4 references

Improved family dynamics/communication

8 Participants, 11 references

Inclusion of siblings

1 Participant, 1 reference

Recommendation of FBT to another family

11 Participants, 11 references

Suggestions for improvement

Hybrid models of FBT

9 Participants, 17 references

Patient choosing virtual or in-person treatment

1 Participant, 2 references

Using alternative virtual platforms

1 Participant, 1 reference

Increased one-on-one time between patient and therapist

5 Participants, 7 references

Adding a second family meal session

2 Participants, 2 references

Reducing session frequency

1 Participant, 1 reference