Mobile app to boost readiness for eating disorder treatment for adults on waitlists in British Columbia

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.