The development of clinical guidelines for modified electroconvulsive therapy

Authors

  • Santichai Chamchitchun, M.D. Srithanya Hospital, Department of Mental Health
  • Sawangjit Wasuwat, M.N.S. Srithanya Hospital, Department of Mental Health
  • Kantarat Chaothat, B.N.S. Srithanya Hospital, Department of Mental Health

Keywords:

clinical guideline, modified electroconvulsive therapy, psychiatric hospitals

Abstract

Objective: To develop clinical guidelines for modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for multidisciplinary professionals in psychiatric hospitals.

Methods: A research and development study was conducted in seven psychiatric hospitals in Thailand from September 2022 to June 2024, employing the technology development framework; needs analysis, conceptual framework development, prototype drafting, validity testing, pilot trial, and scaling up. Data were collected using expert panels and focus group discussions with practitioners and relevant multidisciplinary professionals. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results: The clinical guidelines for modified ECT comprised seven phases; prescription of treatment, informed consent, pre-treatment care, intra-procedural care, post-procedural care in the recovery room, post-procedural care in the ward, and evaluation of treatment outcomes. Based on feedback and suggestions from informants, the final guidelines were updated to incorporate evidence-based medication review in treatment planning, adherence to legal frameworks for informed consent, standardized criteria for vital sign monitoring during and post-procedure, and defined criteria for assessing confusion, physical complications, and cognitive side effects following ECT.

Conclusion: The guidelines serve as a prototype that could be adapted in different contexts of psychiatric hospitals to promote better outcomes among patients receiving modified ECT.

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References

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Published

2024-08-19

How to Cite

1.
Chamchitchun S, Wasuwat S, Chaothat K. The development of clinical guidelines for modified electroconvulsive therapy. J Ment Health Thai [internet]. 2024 Aug. 19 [cited 2026 Jan. 2];32(3):189-201. available from: https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jmht/article/view/272563

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 3 (2024): July - September 2024

Section

Original article

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