Electroconvulsive Therapy-Related Psychiatric Knowledge Among British Anesthetists

Opinion of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and ECT-related psychiatric knowledge among anesthetists working in the North Western Health Region of England were investigated; 261 anesthetists returned usable questionnaires. The majority were in favor of ECT for patients as recommended by psychiatrists, and possessed a reasonable knowledge base about related psychiatric issues. A minority were opposed to the use of ECT, lacked rudimentary psychiatric knowledge and held negative misconceptions. Although this does not compromise anesthetic ability, it may have adverse consequences. In particular anesthetists may not appreciate the importance of their role in ECT and may be reluctant to become involved in ECT clinics and research. Attitude and knowledge did not differ significantly when respondents with extensive and recent ECT experience were compared with the remainder. Two thirds of respondents favored anesthetic training including more information about psychiatric aspects of ECT. We recommend improved liasion between anesthetists and psychiatrists during training and in clinical practice.