Informing the development of Australia’s National Eating Disorders Research and Translation Strategy: a rapid review methodology
Authors: Aouad Phillip , Bryant Emma , Maloney Danielle , Marks Peta , Le Anvi , Russell Haley ,   National Eating Disorder Research Consortium, Aouad Phillip , Barakat Sarah , Boakes Robert , Brennan Leah , Bryant Emma , Byrne Susan , Caldwell Belinda , Calvert Shannon , Carroll Bronny , Castle David , Caterson Ian , Chelius Belinda , Chiem Lyn , Clarke Simon , Conti Janet , Crouch Lexi , Dammery Genevieve , Dzajkovski Natasha , Fardouly Jasmine , Feneley John , Foroughi Nasim , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz Mathew , Fursland Anthea , Gonzalez-Arce Veronica , Gouldthorp Bethanie , Griffin Kelly , Griffiths Scott , Hambleton Ashlea , Hannigan Amy , Hart Mel , Hart Susan , Hay Phillipa , Hickie Ian , Kay-Lambkin Francis , King Ross , Kohn Michael , Koreshe Eyza , Krug Isabel , Le Anvi , Linardon Jake , Long Randall , Long Amanda , Madden Sloane , Maguire Sarah , Maloney Danielle , Marks Peta , McLean Sian , Meddick Thy , Miskovic-Wheatley Jane , Mitchison Deborah , O’Kearney Richard , Paterson Roger , Paxton Susan , Pehlivan Melissa , Pepin Genevieve , Phillipou Andrea , Piccone Judith , Pinkus Rebecca , Raykos Bronwyn , Rhodes Paul , Rieger Elizabeth , Rockett Karen , Rodan Sarah , Russell Janice , Russell Haley , Salter Fiona , Sawyer Susan , Shelton Beth , Singh Urvashnee , Smith Sophie , Smith Evelyn , Spielman Karen , Squire Sarah , Thomson Juliette , Tiggemann Marika , Touyz Stephen , Utpala Ranjani , Vartanian Lenny , Wallis Andrew , Ward Warren , Wells Sarah , Wertheim Eleanor , Wilksch Simon , Williams Michelle , Hay Phillipa , Miskovic-Wheatley Jane , Touyz Stephen , Maguire Sarah 
Published: March 2022

Background

Eating disorders (EDs) are highly complex mental illnesses associated with significant medical complications. There are currently knowledge gaps in research relating to the epidemiology, aetiology, treatment, burden, and outcomes of eating disorders. To clearly identify and begin addressing the major deficits in the scientific, medical, and clinical understanding of these mental illnesses, the Australian Government Department of Health in 2019 funded the InsideOut Institute (IOI) to develop the Australian Eating Disorder Research and Translation Strategy, the primary aim of which was to identify priorities and targets for building research capacity and outputs. A series of rapid reviews (RR) were conducted to map the current state of knowledge, identify evidence gaps, and inform development of the national research strategy. Published peer-reviewed literature on DSM-5 listed EDs, across eight knowledge domains was reviewed: (1) population, prevalence, disease burden, Quality of Life in Western developed countries; (2) risk factors; (3) co-occurring conditions and medical complications; (4) screening and diagnosis; (5) prevention and early intervention; (6) psychotherapies and relapse prevention; (7) models of care; (8) pharmacotherapies, alternative and adjunctive therapies; and (9) outcomes (including mortality). While RRs are systematic in nature, they are distinct from systematic reviews in their aim to gather evidence in a timely manner to support decision-making on urgent or high-priority health concerns at the national level.

Results

Three medical science databases were searched as the primary source of literature for the RRs: Science Direct, PubMed and OVID (Medline). The search was completed on 31st May 2021 (spanning January 2009–May 2021). At writing, a total of 1,320 articles met eligibility criteria and were included in the final review.

Conclusions

For each RR, the evidence has been organised to review the knowledge area and identify gaps for further research and investment. The series of RRs (published separately within the current series) are designed to support the development of research and translation practice in the field of EDs. They highlight areas for investment and investigation, and provide researchers, service planners and providers, and research funders rapid access to quality current evidence, which has been synthesised and organised to assist decision-making.