Preliminary Assessment of Pre-Electroconvulsive Therapy Evaluation Practices in European Countries: The Need for Guidelines.
J ECT
; 38(4): 230-237, 2022 12 01.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35462388
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
Pre-electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) evaluation is an essential part of ECT preparation, a standard treatment in the psychiatric field. However, no routine pre-ECT evaluation has been published so far. This preliminary study aimed to explore different practices in pre-ECT evaluation across European countries.METHODS:
The data were collected as a snowball sample approach using an online survey from September 2019 to April 2020. The final analysis included data from 18 clinics placed in 16 European countries.RESULTS:
Regulations on the pre-ECT evaluation were found in 9 countries. All clinics reported doing complete blood count, serum electrolytes, and renal function analysis as a part of regular laboratory testing, alongside with a cardiovascular assessment. Ten clinics reported using psychiatric scales. Six clinics reported doing a cognitive assessment, of which all had regulations on the pre-ECT evaluation. Not one evaluation had the same sets of procedures and diagnostics.CONCLUSIONS:
The differences in assessment approaches mirror high variability of the pre-ECT evaluation practice across Europe. Cognitive assessment and objectification of psychiatric symptoms should be a regular part of the pre-ECT evaluation because of the monitoring of the most common adverse effect and observing the clinical response to ECT. Standardization of the pre-ECT evaluation and ECT in general would remove criticisms and opposition to the treatment, make it based on the best of our knowledge, and provide a method respectful of patients' best interests and rights.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Terapia Electroconvulsiva
/
Trastornos Mentales
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Guideline
Límite:
Humans
País/Región como asunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J ECT
Asunto de la revista:
MEDICINA
Año:
2022
Tipo del documento:
Article