Effect of two educational interventions on knowledge and attitudes towards electroconvulsive therapy

The aims of this study were to assess students' knowledge and attitudes toward ECT and to assess the effect of an educational video and pamphlet on knowledge and attitudes toward ECT. Additionally, this study aimed to assess which form of information delivery was most efficacious in improving knowledge and changing attitudes toward ECT. Seventy-seven students were allocated to an educational video, pamphlet, or control group. Participants completed questionnaires assessing knowledge and attitudes pre and post the aforementioned educational interventions, to assess the relative efficacy of both forms of information delivery. The majority of participants had reasonable knowledge of ECT indications, effects and side effects. However, participants still maintained a number of common misconceptions and possessed an overall neutral to negative attitude toward ECT. After education (video or pamphlet), participants' overall knowledge significantly increased and attitudes became significantly more favorable, relative to the control group. However, neither form of education was superior. Providing education about ECT, whether in the form of a video or information pamphlet, has the ability to increase knowledge and improve attitudes toward this treatment. The above results may have particular applicability when designing and tailoring educational efforts to the needs of an individual who may be considering ECT as a treatment option.