PM2069: The Effect of Strength-based Resilience on Patient’s Length of Stay at the Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders

Background: Throughout past decades, psychiatrists have sought to comprehend factors that contribute to the severity of an eating disorder (ED). There is a potential relationship between a patient's resilience and the recovery course of their disorder. Therefore, resilience and strength-based counseling may offer novel interventions for patients suffering from EDs and result in shorter hospital stays. The objective of this study is to examine the correlation between resilience, measured by indicators of mindfulness and restraint, and length of stay (LOS) at Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders.

Methods: Data was obtained from Renfrew’s database. Inclusion criteria included females ages 13-75yo admitted to Renfrew inpatient facility. Exclusion criteria included males and individuals ages < 13 years or >75 years old. Two measures of resilience were analyzed: Southampton Mindfulness Questionnaire (SMQ), to assess a patient’s mindfulness, and the ED Restraint survey, to quantify a patient’s restraint. The dependent variable was length of stay (LOS) at the Renfrew unit was analyzed by multivariable linear regression, and multivariable logistic regression for LOS greater than 45 days.

Results: A sample 2901 subjects was obtained. There was a significant relationship between increased mindfulness scores and decreased restraint scores and a decreased LOS at Renfrew. For every 13-point increase in SMQ, the LOS decreased by about 1 day, and for every 1-point decrease in the restraint score (increased restraint), the LOS decreased by about 1 day. Higher restraint scores independently increased the likelihood of LOS greater than 45 days by 22.8%.

Conclusion: The Renfrew data support the relationship between a patient’s resilience and LOS. This information holds promise for future treatment approaches to improve strength-based modalities in patients in the course of managing eating disorders.