Mental Health Nurse experiences of delivering care to severely depressed adults receiving electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Lonergan Anita , Timmins Fiona , Donohue Gráinne 
Published: September 2020

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

ECT is a fast‐working and potentially life‐saving treatment, but it is still considered a controversial treatment choice.

Due to lack of knowledge and public stigma, ECT can be an anxiety‐inducing treatment for people experiencing severe depression.

The nurse's role is to alleviate this anxiety, aid recovery and minimize the risk of relapse. They manage this onerous task ideally through the therapeutic relationship, and use the skills of assessment and risk identification in order to maximize patient outcomes.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

The views of mental health nurses who provide care for adults receiving treatment of ECT for severe depressive illness are in the main positive.

The knowledge of and attitude towards ECT among nurses may reflect on patients and influence treatment choice. If stigma is not addressed, then patients will not be appropriately informed regarding their treatment options.

Mental health nurses need to engage in reflective practice to ensure that the dignity of the patient is maintained throughout this treatment.

What are the implications for practice?

Mental Health nurses should engage with additional training, formalized clinical supervision and avail of peer support in order to improve confidence, skills and quality of care in the delivery of ECT.

Education modules should include a presentation of evidence of effectiveness of ECT as a treatment option.

Dialogue among mental healthcare colleagues is important about caring for people presenting for ECT treatment. This will ensure that the mental health nurse can remain cognizant of the potential for patient distress throughout this treatment.

Background

There is a considerable dearth of literature on attitudes towards Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) as a treatment for severe depression. Despite being a highly effective treatment, it is still stigmatized even among professionals. Understanding perceptions and knowledge related to ECT treatment among healthcare providers is important for ensuring that treatment can be safely explored as a treatment option with patients.

Aim

The overall aim of this study is to explore the views of mental health nurses who provide nursing care to people receiving ECT for severe depressive illness in a mental health setting.

Methods

This is a qualitative study using focus groups (n = 2) with 14 mental health nurses who had a minimum of 3 months experience caring for older adults receiving ECT. Transcripts were subjected to a thematic analysis. Full ethical approval was granted for this study.

Results

In total, four themes were identified exploring attitudinal changes, managing patient dignity, reflecting changes in practice and managing the unknown. In general, participants experienced ECT as a positive treatment option for adults with severe depressive illness contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Conclusion

Findings indicate a desire to improve person‐centred care for patients undergoing ECT. Educational support for nurses who work in this area would improve confidence on work practices and lead to improved patient experience. Mental health personnel without direct experience of the treatment should be exposed to educational modules to decrease stigma and to best facilitate informed decision‐making among the patient cohort.