Healthcare Professionals’ Experiences of Barriers and Facilitators to ARFID Identification, Diagnosis, and Treatment: A Rapid Review

Objectives: Despite increasing evidence of the physical and psychosocial impairments associated with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), there are currently no national guidelines for its assessment and treatment. In the absence of such guidance, it is crucial to understand the experiences of healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in ARFID care.

Method: This review included 13 studies exploring HCPs’ experiences of accessing or delivering care for individuals with ARFID. The findings were synthesised into three key themes: (1) limited knowledge surrounding ARFID, (2) lack of education and specialised training, and (3) the need for clear referral pathways and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Results: The review identified significant gaps in HCPs’ understanding of ARFID, including a lack of confidence in clinical decision-making, challenges with differential diagnosis, difficulties navigating referral processes, and an absence of established care pathways. These barriers contribute to inconsistent care provision across services.

Conclusions: Addressing these gaps through enhanced training, defined referral pathways, and improved multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. While this review may represent a snapshot of HCP awareness during a period of growing recognition of ARFID, the themes identified appear consistent across settings. These findings underscore the need for a global effort to build HCPs’ confidence and competence in recognising and managing ARFID, thereby improving patient outcomes.