Mobile app to boost readiness for eating disorder treatment for adults on waitlists in British Columbia
Impact of a Mobile App-Based Waitlist Intervention (MI-Coach: ED) on Readiness for Eating Disorder Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · University of British Columbia · NCT06801197
This project will try a mobile app using motivational interviewing to help adults on British Columbia eating-disorder waitlists feel more ready and motivated to start treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 74 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia (other) |
| Locations | 3 sites (Kelowna, British Columbia and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06801197 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial compares immediate versus delayed access to MI-Coach: ED, a four-week mobile app intervention, for adults on provincially funded eating-disorder waitlists in British Columbia. The app delivers seven interactive modules grounded in motivational interviewing, using videos, exercises, and self-reflection to target ambivalence and increase readiness for change. Participants complete measures of motivation, readiness, eating pathology, anxiety, and depression at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks while in-app engagement (e.g., module completion) is tracked. The design tests whether the app maintains or improves motivation during long wait times and whether early engagement leads to better clinical outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 or older (including cisgender and transgender women) who meet threshold or subthreshold eating-disorder criteria, are currently on a provincially funded eating-disorder waitlist in British Columbia, read English, and have regular access to a smartphone.
Not a fit: People who do not identify as women, are already receiving active eating-disorder treatment, have psychotic disorders or significant cognitive impairment, lack English fluency, or do not have smartphone access are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the app could help people maintain or increase motivation during long wait times, making them more likely to engage in and benefit from formal eating-disorder treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Related digital and motivational-interviewing interventions for eating disorders and other mental-health conditions have shown promising but mixed results, so this app represents an evidence-informed but not yet proven approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Must self-identify as a woman, including cisgender or transgender individuals. * Must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment. * Currently on a waitlist to receive treatment for an eating disorder at provincially funded eating disorder programs in British Columbia. * Meets criteria for a threshold or subthreshold eating disorder, including anorexia nervosa (restricting or binge/purge subtype), bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED). * Able to read and understand English fluently. * Owns or has regular access to a smartphone or mobile device capable of running the MI-Coach: ED app. Exclusion Criteria: * Does not identify as a woman, regardless of sex assigned at birth. * Currently receiving active treatment for an eating disorder, such as outpatient therapy, inpatient care, or day programs. * Diagnosed with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder or other psychotic disorder. * Presence of a cognitive impairment or sensory deficit (e.g., severe visual or hearing impairment) that would interfere with the ability to use the app or complete study assessments. * History of a recent traumatic brain injury or neurological condition that might impact participation. * Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would interfere with the participant's ability to comply with the study protocol or complete the intervention.
Where this trial is running
Kelowna, British Columbia and 2 other locations
- Interior Health, Eating Disorders Program — Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada (RECRUITING)
- Fraser Health Eating Disorders Program — Surrey, British Columbia, Canada (RECRUITING)
- Vancouver Coastal Health, Eating Disorders Program — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Maya Libben, PhD, R.Psych.
- Email: maya.libben@ubc.ca
- Phone: 250-807-9026
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Eating Disorders, eating disorders, digital interventions, motivational interviewing, treatment barriers