Remote consultation with people with eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze subjective experiences related to adaptation to remote care by users with eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: a descriptive study with a qualitative approach conducted with users of an eating disorders outpatient clinic. A semi-structured remote interview was applied using the Google Meet application. The data were submitted to lexical analysis using ALCESTE software and discussed in the light of scientific evidence. Results: the remote appointment is a positive strategy but not a substitute for the face-to-face modality. The research cited financial savings, closer contact with professionals, and flexibility of service schedules as advantages. It pointed out the difficulty in clinical evaluation concerning weight, vital signs, and poor mastery of technology as limitations. Final Considerations: the study induces discussion about the systematization of remote care, which, during the COVID-19 pandemic, were responsible for providing a greater sense of support to people with eating disorders.