Conference Proceeding
Regina Lua Ubana
Abstract
Sunrise Wing is the only child & adolescent inpatient unit in Institute of Mental Health (IMH), a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Singapore, since 1900s. Ironically, there is no formal eating disorders protocol. This presentation aims to share an updated protocol with a multi-disciplinary approach, led by an Advanced Practice Nurse. Eating disorders is rising amongst the youth. Traditionally, adolescents with anorexia nervosa will be managed in the Eating Disorders Programme in the largest tertiary hospital in Singapore, whereas the children will be managed by the Adolescent Medicine Service, in an Academic Medical Centre which leads in Pediatric Care. These patients are referred to IMH in view of high risk of harm to self or others, whereby both teams will co-manage. In the last decade, Sunrise Wing received 24 anorexia nervosa admissions in total, between 11-18 year old. Due to the low number and unavailable formal training, the team lacks the knowledge & skills in assessment & management of these patients. Assessment prior arrival in the ward was important to triage suitability within or out of IMH. The Advanced Practice Nurse went on a Healthcare Management Development Programme overseas to a prestigious & largest pediatric academic health sciences centre, who is dedicated to improve the health of children, to learn on their practices. During the presentation, a flow-chart and interventions; on the trainings and referrals to services, will be shared. A case vignette would be included. In the near future, a national Clinical Practice Guidelines would be helpful for uniform care.