Patients' perceptions and feelings about electroconvulsive therapy before and after treatment

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the patients' perception and feelings regarding the Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) after having received this treatment. A qualitative, descriptive research design was used to achieve the aim and objectives of this study. The data was collected by conducting a semi-structured interview with six patients who had ECT during the last two years. The author designed the tool used during the interview after an extensive review of the literature. Analysing the data consisted of listening several times to the audiotapes prior to transcribing them. On reading the interview transcriptions, emergent themes were identified. Four out of the six participants showed a consistent lack of knowledge about ECT. All participants agreed that they found it difficult to accept the fact that they needed to undergo ECT. All six of them agreed that the staff taking care of them was supportive and caring. This helped to increase the therapeutic relationship between patient and carer. A topic discussed by all participants was that of ECT's side-effects. These findings were discussed in relation to the literature. The study findings are considered to contribute to a greater understanding of the patients' perception regarding ECT procedure. Recommendations were made to ensure that the patients' views and opinions are addressed in the future.