Effectiveness of Rama Disposable Bite Block in Patients Undergoing Electroconvulsive therapy: A pilot study

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness and user’s satisfaction of Rama Disposable Bite Block in psychiatric patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) compared to the conventional Rubber Biting Pad
Methods: The study was a single blinded, crossover randomized controlled trial. Thirty psychiatric patients undergoing ECT were randomly allocated into 2 groups [Rama disposable bite block group (n = 15) and rubber biting pad (n = 15)]. After using the assigned bite block in first ECT session, then patients will be changed to another group in the next ECT session. Effectiveness and user’s satisfaction of both bite block will be compared.
Results: In Rama disposable bite block group, the incidence of deterrence the face mask (0/30) was lower than in the rubber biting pad group (20/30, 66.7%) (p < 0.001). Rama disposable group had more effective in term of aspiration projection (100% versus 3.3%, p < 0.001) In Rama disposable bite block group, the incidence of drooling (0/30) and rate of saliva suction (0/30) was lower than the rubber biting pad group [13/30 (43.3%), p < 0.001 and 26/30, (86.7%), p <0.001, respectively] There was no difference between both group in term of convenience, oral protection, patient’s discomfort. The mean ± sd satisfaction score of Rama disposable bite block (4.63 ± 0.62) was higher than the rubber biting pad group (4 ± 0.79) (p-value = 0.001).
Conclusions: The Rama disposable bite block may be used instead of the Rubber biting pad in patients undergoing ECT.