Eating Disorders Victoria (EDV) have been selected as one of 11 organisations Australia-wide to adapt and test a Telehealth Nurse pilot, known as the Patient Pathways Program.

The Patient Pathways Program is a three-year Commonwealth funded initiative of the Centre for Community-Driven Research (CCDR).

EDV CEO Jennifer Beveridge said the addition of a telehealth nurse on the EDV Helpline will be of enormous benefit to Victorian’s affected by eating disorders, and will help bring eating disorder care more in line with other serious illnesses.

“We know that when you get diagnosed with certain types of cancer, you have access to a support nurse who can answer your questions and help guide you through the system. When people are diagnosed with eating disorders, they are often left to figure it out on their own.

“A telehealth nurse will further expand on the navigation support already offered by EDV, helping Victorians access existing services as well as connecting them with opportunities to participate in medical research and patient feedback initiatives.”

Ms Beveridge also noted that the program highlights the vital role of community-based organisations.

“The first point of call for many people when they are diagnosed with a serious illness is their local non-profit organisation. This program acknowledges that community organisations need continued investment so that they can support the broader healthcare system.”

Recruitment for the EDV telehealth nurse will begin soon. EDV will join the following organisations in the 3-year Patient Pathways Program:

• MDDA – Metabolic Dietary Disorders Association
• Mito Foundation (Mitochondrial disease)
• Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision (Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes)
• Crohn’s & Colitis Australia
• Emerge Australia (Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
• Tuberous Sclerosis Australia
• Save Our Sons Duchennes (Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy)
• Genetic Alliance Australia
• Cerebral Palsy Support Network
• Pancare (Pancreatic cancer)