"Importance of Acknowledging Patient Feedback"

My child was diagnosed with restrictive anorexia when they were in their mid teens.  We were urgently referred to the AHS Eating Disorder Program and continues to participate in the program today, over 2 years later.  The diagnosis turned their life and our family life upside down, as prior to this we had never experienced mental illness within our family.  We are very grateful for the treatment and care that my child has received at the Alberta Children's Hospital, as an outpatient, to assist with management of this severe mental health illness that can have significant medical complications.   Our team of social worker/family therapist, registered dietician, occupational therapist, pediatrician, and psychiatrist have all provided exceptional care throughout this long journey. 

One of the treatment options that my child has more recently attended is the Day Treatment Program, to assist with self-management and to gain tools and techniques to improve self-care and mental health.   I would like to provide some feedback for quality improvement related to this part of the program specifically.  

One day, during the group sessions with therapists, the participants were advised that there was some training of new staff and that they would be observing behind a window which was a 2-way mirror.  Following this training, my child shared how negatively impacted they were by having a large mirror that they could look at themselves in for the entire day.  They were unable to focus and had very intrusive and distressing thoughts due to significant body dysmorphia (obsessive perception of a flaw in appearance that is non-existent to others).    

Based on this very difficult experience I would like to suggest that the program consider revisiting the use of 2-way mirrors and utilize a different approach to train staff.   I have been a nurse for over 30 years, and I completely understand the use of practicums and training in a real- life environment, and I feel the approach should be carefully considered and tailored when dealing with severe mental health issues and thinking about the impact on the patient first.    

We continue to receive amazing care and treatment from the program overall, and we remain thankful for the expertise, support, and treatment my child is fortunate to receive.

Thank you for considering using this feedback for quality improvement so that other patients may benefit in the future.