Targeted case manager training for eating disorder oversight: Supporting informed care coordination

Abstract

Timely coordination of specialty behavioral health services remains a critical challenge within integrated systems, particularly for individuals presenting with eating disorders (EDOs). Case managers (CMs) play a pivotal role in triaging and navigating these referrals, yet variability in knowledge and confidence contributes to delays, access issues, and care inequity. This quality improvement project implemented a targeted training intervention to improve CM understanding of EDO diagnostic criteria, comorbidities, levels-of-care, and treatment team roles.Pre- and post-training surveys measured self-reported knowledge and confidence across five domains: diagnostic recognition, level-of-care placement, system navigation, treatment teams, and culturally responsive practices. A dual Likert-scale format quantified cognitive uptake and self-efficacy. Descriptive statistics revealed consistent improvements, with mean scores increasing from a pre-training range of 2.8–3.4 to a post-training range of 3.8–4.4. Median and mode values shifted from 3 (neutral) to 4 (agree), indicating stronger consensus. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses yielded themes of enhanced role clarity, improved system navigation, and the need for sustained support. CMs reported increased confidence in coordinating care across interdisciplinary systems and engaging complex systems. Pre-survey data showed that 25 of 37 CMs (67.6%) lacked formal EDO training and 35 of 37 (94.6%) were unprepared for care coordination, despite 30 of 37 (81.1%) having previously managed EDOs. Post-survey results showed marked improvement, with 30 of 33 (90.9%) reporting increased understanding and 28 of 33 (84.8%) expressing greater confidence. This project offers a scalable framework for workforce development, training redesign, and implications for organizational integration, and sustainability strategies are discussed.