Challenging stigma and attitudes towards ECT via an educational video

Abstract

While electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective therapeutic modality for the treatment of mental illness, negative attitudes and stigma exist about ECT in the general community and even within health services. Investigating interventions that improve the attitudes of health professionals towards ECT is beneficial as this reduces stigma and increases the acceptability of ECT for consumers. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the change in attitude of nursing graduates and medical students towards ECT by watching an educational video. The secondary aim was to compare health professional attitudes to those of the general community. An educational video was co-designed with consumers and members of the mental health Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce Team about ECT outlining the procedure, side effects, treatment considerations and lived experiences. Nursing graduates and medical students completed the ECT Attitude Questionnaire (EAQ) prior to and after watching the video. Descriptive statistics, paired samples t-tests and one sample t-tests were completed. One hundred and twenty-four participants completed pre-and post-questionnaires. Attitudes towards ECT significantly improved after watching the video. Positive responses towards ECT increased from 67.09% to 75.72%. Participants in this study reported higher positive attitudes towards ECT than members of the general public before and after watching the intervention. Results indicated that the video educational intervention was effective in improving attitudes towards ECT for nursing graduates and medical students. While the video is promising as an educational tool, further research is required to explore the use of the video in reducing stigma for consumers and carers. K E Y W O R D S attitudes, ECT, education, stigma, videoNote: Positive response percentage is calculated by dividing the mean with the maximum score for the component or the total score (Alexander et al., 2020). Total EAQ maximum score = 44; Component-1 maximum score = 36; Component-2 maximum score = 8. EAQ = ECT Attitudes Questionnaire.

Is the Electroconvulsive Therapy Video on YouTube Supportive Information for Patients and Their Primary Caregivers?

“…The previous studies found that the media in general is an essential source of information for patients and their primary caregivers, but how valuable and reliable it is contested. 6,7 In recent years, the number of health-related videos on YouTube has increased. 8 Therefore, most patients and their primary caregivers seek advice and information related to ECT by using the YouTube platform, and that can have a significant impact on their behaviors and decisions.…”

“…Thus, to overcome the previous factors, the patients and their primary caregivers should find another supportive source, such as YouTube, to gain information related to electroconvulsive therapy, plus information from healthcare providers. The previous studies found that the media in general is an essential source of information for patients and their primary caregivers, but how valuable and reliable it is contested 6,7 …”