Eating DisordersMI-Coach: EDNCT06801197
Impact of a Mobile App-Based Waitlist Intervention on Readiness for Eating Disorder Treatment
A study testing MI-Coach: ED Mobile App in people with Eating Disorders, run by University of British Columbia at 3 sites in Canada.
Trial summary
The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether a mobile app-based motivational interviewing intervention (MI-Coach: ED) can improve motivation and readiness for treatment in adults with eating disorders who are currently on waitlists for provincially funded eating disorder services in British… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Eating Disorders
- What is being tested?
- MI-Coach: ED Mobile App
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 74 participants
- Where
- 3 sitesCanada
- Study dates
- 21 Oct 2025to Sep 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Must self-identify as a woman, including cisgender or transgender individuals.
- Must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
- Currently on a waitlist to receive treatment for an eating disorder at provincially funded eating disorder programs in British Columbia.
- Meets criteria for a threshold or subthreshold eating disorder, including anorexia nervosa (restricting or binge/purge subtype), bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED).
- Able to read and understand English fluently.
- Owns or has regular access to a smartphone or mobile device capable of running the MI-Coach: ED app.
Who cannot join
- Does not identify as a woman, regardless of sex assigned at birth.
- Currently receiving active treatment for an eating disorder, such as outpatient therapy, inpatient care, or day programs.
- Diagnosed with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder or other psychotic disorder.
- Presence of a cognitive impairment or sensory deficit (e.g., severe visual or hearing impairment) that would interfere with the ability to use the app or complete study assessments.
- History of a recent traumatic brain injury or neurological condition that might impact participation.
- Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would interfere with the participant's ability to comply with the study protocol or complete the intervention.
Trial locations and contacts
3 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Amané Halicki-Asakawa, M.A. contact
Canada3 sites, 3 recruiting
- Recruiting
Interior Health, Eating Disorders Program
Kelowna, British Columbia
Amane Halicki-Asakawa, 250 807 9026, amaneha@student.ubc.ca
- Recruiting
Fraser Health Eating Disorders Program
Surrey, British Columbia
Amane Halicki-Asakawa, 250 807 9026, amaneha@student.ubc.ca
- Recruiting
Vancouver Coastal Health, Eating Disorders Program
Vancouver, British Columbia
Amane Halicki-Asakawa, 250 807 9026, amaneha@student.ubc.ca
About this study
Official title: Impact of a Mobile App-Based Waitlist Intervention (MI-Coach: ED) on Readiness for Eating Disorder Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether a mobile app-based motivational interviewing intervention (MI-Coach: ED) can improve motivation and readiness for treatment in adults with eating disorders who are currently on waitlists for provincially funded eating disorder services in British Columbia. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does the use of MI-Coach: ED improve overall motivation, confidence, and readiness for treatment compared to treatment-as-usual (waitlist with no intervention)?
- Does the app help mitigate declines in motivation over time among waitlisted individuals?
Read more
Researchers will compare participants using the MI-Coach: ED app to a delayed treatment control group to assess differences in motivation, readiness for treatment, and associated clinical outcomes.
Participants will:
- Treatment group: Use the MI-Coach: ED app for four weeks, completing interactive modules focused on motivation and readiness for change, while also completing weekly brief assessments of motivation.
- Delayed treatment group: Remain on the waitlist with no intervention for four weeks while completing weekly brief assessments of motivation. After this period, they will receive access to the MI-Coach: ED app and be integrated into the treatment group.
- Complete pre-test and post-test questionnaires at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks assessing motivation, eating pathology, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
This study aims to inform evidence-based practices for reducing the adverse effects of long waitlist durations on individuals with eating disorders.
Read the detailed description
This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of MI-Coach: ED, a mobile app-based intervention tailored for adults with eating disorders (EDs) currently on waitlists for provincially funded ED treatment programs in British Columbia, Canada. The study explores how a scalable, self-guided digital tool can support motivation and readiness for treatment during a critical period when access to traditional care is delayed.
MI-Coach: ED leverages evidence-based principles of motivational interviewing (MI) to address ambivalence and enhance intrinsic motivation to engage in treatment. The app features seven interactive modules covering key topics, including self-acceptance, behavior change strategies, and relapse prevention, delivered through videos, exercises, and self-reflection activities. These modules aim to foster readiness for treatment, improve confidence, and maintain motivation during extended wait times.
The trial uses a sequential interventional study design. Participants are randomized into two groups: a treatment group that begins using the MI-Coach: ED app immediately for four weeks and a delayed treatment control group that waits four weeks before accessing the intervention. Both groups complete regular assessments of motivation, readiness for change, eating pathology, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and other clinical characteristics at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. In-app engagement metrics, such as module completion rates, are also collected to evaluate feasibility and acceptability.
This trial incorporates exploratory analyses to investigate the impact of app use on broader clinical outcomes, such as body dissatisfaction and mental health symptoms, and examines whether app engagement predicts clinical improvements. Statistical methods include descriptive analyses, t-tests for between-group comparisons, and linear mixed modeling (LMM) to evaluate longitudinal changes.
The findings aim to inform the integration of digital tools into clinical practice, offering evidence for their utility in mitigating the adverse effects of waitlist delays. By addressing a critical gap in care for individuals with EDs, this study seeks to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of pre-treatment interventions and contribute to the development of more comprehensive care pathways.
- Conditions
- Eating Disorders
- Being tested
- MI-Coach: ED Mobile App
- Keywords
- eating disorders, digital interventions, motivational interviewing, treatment barriers
- Medical subject headings
- Feeding and Eating Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
MI-Coach: ED Mobile AppCombination product
The MI-Coach: ED mobile app is a self-guided intervention designed to enhance motivation and readiness for treatment in adults with eating disorders. The app includes seven sequential modules based on motivational interviewing (MI) principles, addressing ambivalence, self-acceptance, compassionate motivation, behavior change goals, sustain and change talk, commitment language, and relapse prevention. Each module incorporates interactive content, including educational videos, articles, and exercises, tailored to support motivation across a range of eating disorder diagnoses. The app is designed to be user-friendly and scalable, providing an accessible, cost-effective solution for individuals on waitlists for formal eating disorder treatment.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Treatment Group (MI-Coach: ED Users) | Experimental | Participants randomized to the immediate treatment group will begin using the MI-Coach: ED app immediately for a four-week intervention period. During this time, participants will complete interactive modules designed to enhance motivation and readiness for treatment, focusing on topics such as ambivalence, self-acceptance, compassionate motivation, and behavior change strategies. Weekly brief assessments of motivation and readiness for change will be completed throughout the initial four-week period. Receives: Combination Product: MI-Coach: ED Mobile App |
| Delayed Treatment Group (Waitlist Control) | No intervention | Participants randomized to the delayed treatment group will remain on the waitlist without access to the MI-Coach: ED app for the first four weeks. During this period, participants will complete weekly brief assessments of motivation and readiness for change to evaluate changes while waiting for access to the intervention. No additional interventions or activities will be provided during this initial four-week period. |
| Combined Treatment Group | Experimental | This arm includes all participants who engage with the MI-Coach: ED app during the eight weeks following the initial four-week period. Participants from the immediate treatment group (Arm 1) will continue to use the app for the full 12 weeks of the study, including an eight-week extended intervention period and follow-up assessments at 8 and 12 weeks to evaluate the app's sustained effects. Participants transitioning from the delayed treatment group (Arm 2) will also use the app for an eight-week intervention period after their initial four-week waitlist phase, ensuring both groups have the same opportunity to complete the full intervention. Weekly assessments of motivation and readiness for change will continue for all participants during their respective intervention periods, along with follow-up assessments to compare immediate and delayed access effects, as well as the app's long-term impact on motivation and clinical outcomes. Receives: Combination Product: MI-Coach: ED Mobile App |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change from Baseline in Overall Motivation for Treatment as Measured by the Readiness and Motivation Questionnaire (RMQ) at 4 Weeks
Overall motivation for treatment will be assessed using the Readiness and Motivation Questionnaire (RMQ), a validated measure evaluating readiness to change eating disorder symptoms and behaviors. The RMQ provides a total motivation score (ranging from 0 to 100) and includes subscales for precontemplation, action, internality, and confidence. Higher scores indicate greater readiness for treatment. Changes from baseline to 4 weeks will be evaluated using linear mixed modeling (LMM), accounting for fixed effects (treatment group, time) and random effects (individual variability). A significant change from baseline will be defined as a statistically significant fixed effect of time (p < 0.05), with a greater increase in motivation scores observed in the treatment group compared to the delayed treatment control group.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of initial study arm at 4 weeks
Rate of Change in Weekly Motivation Levels as Measured by the Motivational Stages of Change for Adolescents Recovering from an Eating Disorder (MSCARED) During the Initial 4 Weeks
Weekly motivation will be assessed using the Motivational Stages of Change for Adolescents Recovering from an Eating Disorder (MSCARED), a single-item self-report measure. Participants select their current stage of change from six stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and recovery. Rate of change will be calculated using LMM, incorporating interaction terms between treatment group and time to evaluate differences in the trajectory of weekly motivation. A significant result will be defined as a statistically significant interaction term (p < 0.05), indicating a slower decline or greater increase in motivation over time in the treatment group compared to the delayed treatment control group.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of initial study arm at 4 weeks
Change from Baseline in Confidence to Engage in Treatment as Measured by the Confidence Subscale of the Readiness and Motivation Questionnaire (RMQ) at 4 Weeks
Confidence to engage in treatment will be assessed using the confidence subscale of the RMQ, which measures participants' belief in their ability to address eating disorder behaviors. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater confidence. Changes from baseline to 4 weeks will be analyzed using LMM, incorporating fixed effects for treatment group and time, and random effects for individual differences. A significant change from baseline will be defined as a statistically significant fixed effect of time (p < 0.05), with confidence scores in the treatment group showing stability or improvement compared to the delayed treatment control group.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of initial study arm at 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (3)
Attrition Rate Between Baseline and 4 Weeks
Attrition will be measured as the percentage of participants who do not complete study activities (e.g., assessments or app usage) within the first 4 weeks. Descriptive statistics, including means, percentages, and ranges, will be calculated to summarize attrition rates for both groups. Simple t-tests will be used to compare mean attrition rates between the treatment and delayed treatment control groups, with a significant difference defined as a p-value < 0.05, indicating lower attrition in the treatment group.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of initial study arm at 4 weeks
Participant Ratings of App Acceptability as Measured by the User Version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS)
Acceptability of the MI-Coach: ED app will be assessed using the User Version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS). This scale includes subscales for engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality, each rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = inadequate, 5 = excellent). Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, ranges) will summarize acceptability scores for each subscale and overall scores. Scores averaging ≥ 4 will indicate a "high" or "very high" level of acceptability for the app.
Measured: At 12 weeks
Association Between App Usability and Module Completion Rates
App usability will be assessed using the ease of use and perceived usefulness subscales of the uMARS. Engagement metrics, including the number of modules completed, days the app was used, assessments and exercises completed, and logins, will be obtained from in-app data provided by Resiliens Inc. Generalized linear regression models will evaluate the relationship between usability scores and app engagement metrics, with significant associations defined as a p-value < 0.05. Descriptive statistics will summarize app engagement metrics.
Measured: At 12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Jan 2025
- Study start21 Oct 2025
- Primary completionJun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionSep 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (9)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Eating DisordersStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of British ColumbiaThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Sequential
- Model description
- The study employs a sequential interventional study design to evaluate the MI-Coach: ED app, ensuring both ethical considerations and robust data collection. Participants are randomized into two groups: the treatment group, which uses the app immediately for four weeks, and the delayed treatment control group, which remains on the waitlist without intervention for four weeks before gaining access to the app. Both groups complete weekly motivation assessments and pre- and post-intervention questionnaires at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. This design allows for between-group comparisons during the initial phase and within-group comparisons after the delayed group transitions to the intervention, capturing immediate, delayed, and sustained effects of the app. By reflecting real-world waitlist scenarios, this model ensures all participants benefit from the intervention while providing valuable longitudinal data to assess its efficacy and practical application.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 74 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of British Columbia
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Maya Libben, University of British Columbia
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06801197
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- H24-03392
- Other IDs
- 24901
- Acronym
- MI-Coach: ED
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 21 Jan 2025
- Last updated
- 8 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Weiss CV, Mills JS, Westra HA, Carter JC. A preliminary study of motivational interviewing as a prelude to intensive treatment for an eating disorder. J Eat Disord. 2013 Aug 20;1:34. doi: 10.1186/2050-2974-1-34. eCollection 2013.
PubMed 24999413Linardon J, Shatte A, Messer M, Firth J, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M. E-mental health interventions for the treatment and prevention of eating disorders: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2020 Nov;88(11):994-1007. doi: 10.1037/ccp0000575. Epub 2020 Aug 27.
PubMed 32852971Keegan E, Waller G, Tchanturia K, Wade TD. The potential value of brief waitlist interventions in enhancing treatment retention and outcomes: a randomised controlled trial. Cogn Behav Ther. 2024 Nov;53(6):608-620. doi: 10.1080/16506073.2024.2351867. Epub 2024 May 9.
PubMed 38721888Iyar MM, Cox DW, Kealy D, Srikameswaran S, Geller J. Is stage of change enough? Confidence as a predictor of outcome in inpatient treatment for eating disorders. Int J Eat Disord. 2019 Mar;52(3):283-291. doi: 10.1002/eat.23026. Epub 2019 Jan 30.
PubMed 30701590Innes NT, Clough BA, Casey LM. Assessing treatment barriers in eating disorders: A systematic review. Eat Disord. 2017 Jan-Feb;25(1):1-21. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2016.1207455. Epub 2016 Aug 2.
PubMed 27485375Feld R, Woodside DB, Kaplan AS, Olmsted MP, Carter JC. Pretreatment motivational enhancement therapy for eating disorders: a pilot study. Int J Eat Disord. 2001 May;29(4):393-400. doi: 10.1002/eat.1035.
PubMed 11285576Casasnovas C, Fernandez-Aranda F, Granero R, Krug I, Jimenez-Murcia S, Bulik CM, Vallejo-Ruiloba J. Motivation to change in eating disorders: clinical and therapeutic implications. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2007 Nov;15(6):449-56. doi: 10.1002/erv.780.
PubMed 17960774Carter O, Pannekoek L, Fursland A, Allen KL, Lampard AM, Byrne SM. Increased wait-list time predicts dropout from outpatient enhanced cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT-E) for eating disorders. Behav Res Ther. 2012 Aug;50(7-8):487-92. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2012.03.003. Epub 2012 Mar 30.
PubMed 22659158Austin A, Flynn M, Richards K, Hodsoll J, Duarte TA, Robinson P, Kelly J, Schmidt U. Duration of untreated eating disorder and relationship to outcomes: A systematic review of the literature. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2021 May;29(3):329-345. doi: 10.1002/erv.2745. Epub 2020 Jun 23.
PubMed 32578311
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Impact of a Mobile App-Based Waitlist Intervention (MI-Coach: ED) on Readiness for Eating Disorder Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06801197
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MI-Coach: ED / H24-03392
- Conditions
- Eating Disorders
- Keywords
- eating disorders, digital interventions, motivational interviewing, treatment barriers
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 74 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of British ColumbiaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 21 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Jun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Sep 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 30 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether a mobile app-based motivational interviewing intervention (MI-Coach: ED) can improve motivation and readiness for treatment in adults with eating disorders who are currently on waitlists for provincially funded eating disorder services in British Columbia. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does the use of MI-Coach: ED improve overall motivation, confidence, and readiness for treatment compared to treatment-as-usual (waitlist with no intervention)?
- Does the app help mitigate declines in motivation over time among waitlisted individuals?
Researchers will compare participants using the MI-Coach: ED app to a delayed treatment control group to assess differences in motivation, readiness for treatment, and associated clinical outcomes.
Participants will:
- Treatment group: Use the MI-Coach: ED app for four weeks, completing interactive modules focused on motivation and readiness for change, while also completing weekly brief assessments of motivation.
- Delayed treatment group: Remain on the waitlist with no intervention for four weeks while completing weekly brief assessments of motivation. After this period, they will receive access to the MI-Coach: ED app and be integrated into the treatment group.
- Complete pre-test and post-test questionnaires at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks assessing motivation, eating pathology, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
This study aims to inform evidence-based practices for reducing the adverse effects of long waitlist durations on individuals with eating disorders.
Detailed description
This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of MI-Coach: ED, a mobile app-based intervention tailored for adults with eating disorders (EDs) currently on waitlists for provincially funded ED treatment programs in British Columbia, Canada. The study explores how a scalable, self-guided digital tool can support motivation and readiness for treatment during a critical period when access to traditional care is delayed.
MI-Coach: ED leverages evidence-based principles of motivational interviewing (MI) to address ambivalence and enhance intrinsic motivation to engage in treatment. The app features seven interactive modules covering key topics, including self-acceptance, behavior change strategies, and relapse prevention, delivered through videos, exercises, and self-reflection activities. These modules aim to foster readiness for treatment, improve confidence, and maintain motivation during extended wait times.
The trial uses a sequential interventional study design. Participants are randomized into two groups: a treatment group that begins using the MI-Coach: ED app immediately for four weeks and a delayed treatment control group that waits four weeks before accessing the intervention. Both groups complete regular assessments of motivation, readiness for change, eating pathology, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and other clinical characteristics at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. In-app engagement metrics, such as module completion rates, are also collected to evaluate feasibility and acceptability.
This trial incorporates exploratory analyses to investigate the impact of app use on broader clinical outcomes, such as body dissatisfaction and mental health symptoms, and examines whether app engagement predicts clinical improvements. Statistical methods include descriptive analyses, t-tests for between-group comparisons, and linear mixed modeling (LMM) to evaluate longitudinal changes.
The findings aim to inform the integration of digital tools into clinical practice, offering evidence for their utility in mitigating the adverse effects of waitlist delays. By addressing a critical gap in care for individuals with EDs, this study seeks to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of pre-treatment interventions and contribute to the development of more comprehensive care pathways.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Sequential
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- The study employs a sequential interventional study design to evaluate the MI-Coach: ED app, ensuring both ethical considerations and robust data collection. Participants are randomized into two groups: the treatment group, which uses the app immediately for four weeks, and the delayed treatment control group, which remains on the waitlist without intervention for four weeks before gaining access to the app. Both groups complete weekly motivation assessments and pre- and post-intervention questionnaires at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. This design allows for between-group comparisons during the initial phase and within-group comparisons after the delayed group transitions to the intervention, capturing immediate, delayed, and sustained effects of the app. By reflecting real-world waitlist scenarios, this model ensures all participants benefit from the intervention while providing valuable longitudinal data to assess its efficacy and practical application.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Treatment Group (MI-Coach: ED Users) | Experimental | Combination Product: MI-Coach: ED Mobile AppParticipants randomized to the immediate treatment group will begin using the MI-Coach: ED app immediately for a four-week intervention period. During this time, participants will complete interactive modules designed to enhance motivation and readiness for treatment, focusing on topics such as ambivalence, self-acceptance, compassionate motivation, and behavior change strategies. Weekly brief assessments of motivation and readiness for change will be completed throughout the initial four-week period. |
| Delayed Treatment Group (Waitlist Control) | No intervention | –Participants randomized to the delayed treatment group will remain on the waitlist without access to the MI-Coach: ED app for the first four weeks. During this period, participants will complete weekly brief assessments of motivation and readiness for change to evaluate changes while waiting for access to the intervention. No additional interventions or activities will be provided during this initial four-week period. |
| Combined Treatment Group | Experimental | Combination Product: MI-Coach: ED Mobile AppThis arm includes all participants who engage with the MI-Coach: ED app during the eight weeks following the initial four-week period. Participants from the immediate treatment group (Arm 1) will continue to use the app for the full 12 weeks of the study, including an eight-week extended intervention period and follow-up assessments at 8 and 12 weeks to evaluate the app's sustained effects. Participants transitioning from the delayed treatment group (Arm 2) will also use the app for an eight-week intervention period after their initial four-week waitlist phase, ensuring both groups have the same opportunity to complete the full intervention. Weekly assessments of motivation and readiness for change will continue for all participants during their respective intervention periods, along with follow-up assessments to compare immediate and delayed access effects, as well as the app's long-term impact on motivation and clinical outcomes. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Must self-identify as a woman, including cisgender or transgender individuals.
- Must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment.
- Currently on a waitlist to receive treatment for an eating disorder at provincially funded eating disorder programs in British Columbia.
- Meets criteria for a threshold or subthreshold eating disorder, including anorexia nervosa (restricting or binge/purge subtype), bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED).
- Able to read and understand English fluently.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Does not identify as a woman, regardless of sex assigned at birth.
- Currently receiving active treatment for an eating disorder, such as outpatient therapy, inpatient care, or day programs.
- Diagnosed with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder or other psychotic disorder.
- Presence of a cognitive impairment or sensory deficit (e.g., severe visual or hearing impairment) that would interfere with the ability to use the app or complete study assessments.
- History of a recent traumatic brain injury or neurological condition that might impact participation.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| MI-Coach: ED Mobile AppThe MI-Coach: ED mobile app is a self-guided intervention designed to enhance motivation and readiness for treatment in adults with eating disorders. The app includes seven sequential modules based on motivational interviewing (MI) principles, addressing ambivalence, self-acceptance, compassionate motivation, behavior change goals, sustain and change talk, commitment language, and relapse prevention. Each module incorporates interactive content, including educational videos, articles, and exercises, tailored to support motivation across a range of eating disorder diagnoses. The app is designed to be user-friendly and scalable, providing an accessible, cost-effective solution for individuals on waitlists for formal eating disorder treatment. | Combination product | Combined Treatment Group, Immediate Treatment Group (MI-Coach: ED Users) |
Primary outcome
Change from Baseline in Overall Motivation for Treatment as Measured by the Readiness and Motivation Questionnaire (RMQ) at 4 Weeks
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of initial study arm at 4 weeks
Overall motivation for treatment will be assessed using the Readiness and Motivation Questionnaire (RMQ), a validated measure evaluating readiness to change eating disorder symptoms and behaviors. The RMQ provides a total motivation score (ranging from 0 to 100) and includes subscales for precontemplation, action, internality, and confidence. Higher scores indicate greater readiness for treatment. Changes from baseline to 4 weeks will be evaluated using linear mixed modeling (LMM), accounting for fixed effects (treatment group, time) and random effects (individual variability). A significant change from baseline will be defined as a statistically significant fixed effect of time (p < 0.05), with a greater increase in motivation scores observed in the treatment group compared to the delayed treatment control group.
Rate of Change in Weekly Motivation Levels as Measured by the Motivational Stages of Change for Adolescents Recovering from an Eating Disorder (MSCARED) During the Initial 4 Weeks
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of initial study arm at 4 weeks
Weekly motivation will be assessed using the Motivational Stages of Change for Adolescents Recovering from an Eating Disorder (MSCARED), a single-item self-report measure. Participants select their current stage of change from six stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and recovery. Rate of change will be calculated using LMM, incorporating interaction terms between treatment group and time to evaluate differences in the trajectory of weekly motivation. A significant result will be defined as a statistically significant interaction term (p < 0.05), indicating a slower decline or greater increase in motivation over time in the treatment group compared to the delayed treatment control group.
Change from Baseline in Confidence to Engage in Treatment as Measured by the Confidence Subscale of the Readiness and Motivation Questionnaire (RMQ) at 4 Weeks
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of initial study arm at 4 weeks
Confidence to engage in treatment will be assessed using the confidence subscale of the RMQ, which measures participants' belief in their ability to address eating disorder behaviors. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater confidence. Changes from baseline to 4 weeks will be analyzed using LMM, incorporating fixed effects for treatment group and time, and random effects for individual differences. A significant change from baseline will be defined as a statistically significant fixed effect of time (p < 0.05), with confidence scores in the treatment group showing stability or improvement compared to the delayed treatment control group.
3 secondary outcomes
Attrition Rate Between Baseline and 4 Weeks
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of initial study arm at 4 weeks
Participant Ratings of App Acceptability as Measured by the User Version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS)
Time frame: At 12 weeks
Association Between App Usability and Module Completion Rates
Time frame: At 12 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 May 2026.
- Background: PubMed 24999413Weiss CV, Mills JS, Westra HA, Carter JC. A preliminary study of motivational interviewing as a prelude to intensive treatment for an eating disorder. J Eat Disord. 2013 Aug 20;1:34. doi: 10.1186/2050-2974-1-34. eCollection 2013.
- Background: PubMed 32852971Linardon J, Shatte A, Messer M, Firth J, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M. E-mental health interventions for the treatment and prevention of eating disorders: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2020 Nov;88(11):994-1007. doi: 10.1037/ccp0000575. Epub 2020 Aug 27.
- Background: PubMed 38721888Keegan E, Waller G, Tchanturia K, Wade TD. The potential value of brief waitlist interventions in enhancing treatment retention and outcomes: a randomised controlled trial. Cogn Behav Ther. 2024 Nov;53(6):608-620. doi: 10.1080/16506073.2024.2351867. Epub 2024 May 9.
- Background: PubMed 30701590Iyar MM, Cox DW, Kealy D, Srikameswaran S, Geller J. Is stage of change enough? Confidence as a predictor of outcome in inpatient treatment for eating disorders. Int J Eat Disord. 2019 Mar;52(3):283-291. doi: 10.1002/eat.23026. Epub 2019 Jan 30.
- Background: PubMed 27485375Innes NT, Clough BA, Casey LM. Assessing treatment barriers in eating disorders: A systematic review. Eat Disord. 2017 Jan-Feb;25(1):1-21. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2016.1207455. Epub 2016 Aug 2.
- Background: PubMed 11285576Feld R, Woodside DB, Kaplan AS, Olmsted MP, Carter JC. Pretreatment motivational enhancement therapy for eating disorders: a pilot study. Int J Eat Disord. 2001 May;29(4):393-400. doi: 10.1002/eat.1035.
- Background: PubMed 17960774Casasnovas C, Fernandez-Aranda F, Granero R, Krug I, Jimenez-Murcia S, Bulik CM, Vallejo-Ruiloba J. Motivation to change in eating disorders: clinical and therapeutic implications. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2007 Nov;15(6):449-56. doi: 10.1002/erv.780.
- Background: PubMed 22659158Carter O, Pannekoek L, Fursland A, Allen KL, Lampard AM, Byrne SM. Increased wait-list time predicts dropout from outpatient enhanced cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT-E) for eating disorders. Behav Res Ther. 2012 Aug;50(7-8):487-92. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2012.03.003. Epub 2012 Mar 30.
- Background: PubMed 32578311Austin A, Flynn M, Richards K, Hodsoll J, Duarte TA, Robinson P, Kelly J, Schmidt U. Duration of untreated eating disorder and relationship to outcomes: A systematic review of the literature. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2021 May;29(3):329-345. doi: 10.1002/erv.2745. Epub 2020 Jun 23.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Amané Halicki-Asakawa, M.A. contact
3 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing MI-Coach: ED Mobile App in people with Eating Disorders, run by University of British Columbia at 3 sites in Canada.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 3 sites in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Maya Libben, PhD, R.Psych. (250-807-9026, maya.libben@ubc.ca), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change from Baseline in Overall Motivation for Treatment as Measured by the Readiness and Motivation Questionnaire (RMQ) at 4 Weeks (time frame: From enrollment to the end of initial study arm at 4 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06801197, which also lists 9 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 May 2026.