Particularities of Nursing in Electroconvulsive Therapy

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been a controversial topic, both in the general population and in the medical community since its initial implementation in 1938. Despite clinical applications and proven efficacy in psychiatric and neurological pathologies, such as schizophrenia, catatonia, psychotic disorders, depressive episodes, Parkinson’s disease and psychiatric pathological conditions that occurr during pregnancy or childbed, reluctance to apply ECT persists due to the low degree of information and professional training. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the importance of informing the medical team of the specific training in the provision of adequate nursing within the electroconvulsive therapy. These premises make an essential contribution to the smooth running of the therapeutic process. Taking into account the close interpersonal contact that the medical nurses have with the patient through the profession specifics, it is the appropriate framework to inform the patient and the family regarding the need to establish electroconvulsive therapy, the risks, but especially its benefits. In conclusion, there is a need to establish training courses for nurses so as to ensure the functioning of the therapeutic team as a unit.