Table 2 Categories and subcategories emerging from qualitative analysis regarding benefits/limitations of virtual and in-person day treatment programs (12 participants)
Categories | Subcategories | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|---|
Pros of virtual | Accessibility | 8 participants, 13 references | |
Communication improvement between parents, patients and HCP | 4 participants, 4 references | ||
Individualized food plans/preparation | 7 participants, 10 references | ||
Home environment | 3 participants, 10 references | ||
Increased parental involvement in treatment | 2 participants, 4 references | ||
Parenting benefits (eg: reduced burnout, reduced commuting) | 3 participants, 3 references | ||
Technology adaptations that allowed for new programming and 1:1 support | 3 participants, 4 references | ||
Cons of virtual | Increased disordered eating habits | 8 participants, 11 references | |
Increased isolation and decreased peer allyship | 8 participants, 13 references | ||
Less support from HCP | 8 participants, 17 references | ||
Parental burnout | 4 participants, 10 references | ||
Internet access concerns | 4 participants, 4 references | ||
Miscommunication between HCP and parents/patients | 3 participants, 5 references | ||
Zoom fatigue | 3 participants, 3 references | ||
Decreased participant engagement online | 2 participants, 2 references | ||
Patient safety concerns | 1 participant, 1 reference | ||
Pros of In-person | Increased HCP support | 9 participants, 14 references | |
Consistent meal planning/avoidance of disordered eating behaviours | 5 participants, 6 references | ||
Separation of home and treatment environment | 3 participants, 5 references | ||
More hands-on therapeutic programming | 5 participants, 5 references | ||
Increased social connection with other patients | 2 participants, 3 references | ||
Improved HCP team communication | 1 participant, 1 reference | ||
Program structure including dinner | 1 participant, 1 reference | ||
Cons of In-person | Decreased accessibility (increased travel time and cost) | 6 participants, 9 references | |
Isolation from social connections/friends | 2 participants, 3 references | ||
Hospital food | 1 participant, 1 reference | ||
HCP burnout | 1 participant, 3 references | ||
Increased ED behaviours due to close proximity of patients | 1 participant, 2 references | ||