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Resources for Primary Care Providers

Eating disorders are complex illnesses that can have serious long-term medical and psychological complications. As a primary care provider, your role in medical monitoring and management of symptoms is essential to the safety and well-being of patients suffering from eating disorders.

As a primary care provider, you are likely the first medical professional the patient is approaching about their eating disorder.  Screening for and diagnosing a patient with an eating disorder is an essential part of a patient's recovery journey. 

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Connecting your Patient to Body Brave

Level of Care Self-Assessment
(LoCSA)

Information on Medical Monitoring

Education for Primary Care Providers

Connect with BB

Connecting your Patient to Body Brave

Body Brave is a not-for-profit organization providing accessible support for those impacted by eating disorders and disordered eating. Our services are free-of-charge or covered by OHIP. Our Recovery Support Program is open to anyone aged 14+ across Canada. Our clinical support services are only available to Ontario Residents aged 17+. 

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How to Register for Body Brave Services:

Patients/clients are able to self-register on our website to join our services. Body Brave does not accept referrals.

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Body Brave Services:

Learn more about the services your clients can access at Body Brave.

What You should Know:

  • We do not accept referrals. Patients/clients must self-register on our website.

  • We are not a substitute for inpatient or outpatient treatment.

  • Body Brave does not provide medical monitoring or crisis care.

  • Primary care providers will not be negated for their patients using our services.

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us at info@bodybrave.ca.

What is the Level of Care Self Assessment (LoCSA)

The Level of Care Self-Assessment (LoCSA) is a tool designed to help individuals aged 16+ and their primary care providers identify the most appropriate level of care for eating disorder treatment. Developed in collaboration between St. Joseph’s Hospital Eating Disorder Program (OHT West) and Body Brave, the LoCSA was created to address gaps in the healthcare system, reduce wait times, and minimize improper referrals for treatment.

 

By using the LoCSA, clients and primary care providers can streamline the referral process, reducing delays and ensuring individuals are directed to the right care level from the start. 

LoCSA

Important Reminder About Level of Care Recommendations:

If you received a fax from the Body Brave team regarding your patient’s recommendation, please note that the results are based on self-reported information and are not a substitute for clinical assessment and judgment.​ 

 

It is the patient’s responsibility to share a copy of their results with you, if necessary. 

Why Access the Documents Below?

The LoCSA is personalized, meaning not all individuals will answer every question or receive the same recommendations. The documents below provide additional context for:

  • The questions included in the LoCSA.

  • The recommendations generated by the tool.

These resources are designed to give primary care providers a clear understanding of the tool’s considerations and how it guides individuals toward the most suitable level of care.

Medical Monitoring

Medical Monitoring Resources

At Body Brave, we provide support and resources for individuals navigating eating disorder recovery. However, it’s important to note that we do not offer medical monitoring as part of our services. Medical monitoring is a crucial aspect of eating disorder care, often involving regular check-ins with a primary care provider to track physical health, manage risks, and provide necessary interventions.

We strongly recommend that clients work closely with their primary care provider for medical monitoring while accessing our programs. Our services are designed to complement professional medical care, not replace it.

Supporting Patients on Waiting Lists

When a patient sees their primary care provider and is diagnosed with an eating disorder, the primary care provider is responsible to monitor the patient's care until they are accepted into a treatment program.

In Canada, it can take up to 2 years for a patient to start their treatment for their eating disorder and during that time their health may decline and must be managed. The primary care provider is usually the person responsible for monitoring them and staying in touch during the time they are waiting for their referral. 

While waiting for treatment, the primary care provider should see the patient monthly, or more often depending on the patient's situation.

Education of PCP

Education for Primary Care Providers

Additional Learning Opportunities for Professionals

Recommended Workbooks for Patients (PCP’s can recommend)
  • The Emotional Eating Workbook: A Proven-Effective, Step-by-Step Guide to End your Battle with Food and Satisfy Your Soul by Carolyn Coker Ross

  • The Anorexia Recovery Skills Workbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Cope with Difficult Emotions, Embrace Self-Acceptance, and Prevent Relapse by Catherine L. Ruscitti, Jeffrey E. Barnett, & Rebecca A. Wagner

  • The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook for Bulimia by Ellen Astrachan-Fletcher & Michael Maslar

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Charitable Registration No.

797943115 RR 0001

We are located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe.

1047 Main Street East 

Hamilton, ON L8M 1N5

info@bodybrave.ca

Phone: (905) 312-9628

Fax: (905) 481-2275

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