The First episode Rapid Early intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED) programme has achieved several successes, according to the final learning report, which has now been published.
These successes include increased access to early intervention for eating disorders, with 2,430 patients receiving FREED treatment, as well as an estimated cost savings to the NHS of £10.9 million.
FREED is an evidence-based service model to provide developmentally informed, person-centred early intervention for young people aged 16-25 within three years of developing an eating disorder.
Adolescence and early adulthood are unique in being the peak age for eating disorder onset, as well as a time of neurodevelopmental change and significant life changes. Research shows the earlier an eating disorder is addressed, the greater the likelihood of making a full recovery.
FREED was developed by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London.
In 2020 the FREED model was selected by the AHSN Network as a national programme for spread and adoption due to the evidence for its effectiveness and scalability.
The programme ran until March 2023 and was successful in achieving:
- Interest or adoption of FREED in all 54 eligible NHS Trusts.
- Increased access to early intervention for eating disorders, with 2430 patients receiving FREED treatment.
- Estimated cost savings to the NHS of £10.9 million.
- Overwhelmingly positive feedback from FREED service users/carers, workforce and AHSN leads.
If you are concerned you or someone you know has an eating disorder speak to your GP, or you can find support and advice via organisations such as Beat Eating Disorders or Barnardo’s.
This video also provides a further look at the FREED story.
Lesley Bull, a South London GP and our 1000th delegate chats to Lois-Hooper Ainsworth, Programme Coordinator on the National Polypharmacy Programme, about why she registered for the Health Innovation Network Polypharmacy Action Learning Set, what she got out of it and why other GPs should attend. Lesley Bull So, Lesley, could you tell [...]
Jo Barosa is Account Director at Qbtech UK. Qbtech is a market leading provider of innovative objective tests for assessing and treating ADHD, changing the landscape of ADHD care. Driven by its mission to improve the lives of people with ADHD, Qbtech supports by providing digital and clinical solutions to improve clinical decision making, service [...]
Dr Cheryl Crocker, interim Chief Operating Officer at the Health Innovation Network, explains the vital role innovation plays to not only reduce waiting lists and improve access to care, but to decrease system pressure by improving people’s health and keeping them well for longer. The new Government has rightly declared its focus on moving the [...]
