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

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Medical Education

Background:

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for severe psychiatric disorders.
• Patient and public knowledge and attitudes toward ECT are often based on misconceptions.
• Educational interventions can address these knowledge and attitude deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess student knowledge and attitudes toward ECT.
• To evaluate the impact of an educational video and pamphlet on ECT knowledge and attitudes.
• To compare the efficacy of video versus pamphlet information delivery.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-seven students were randomized into educational video, pamphlet, or control groups.
• Knowledge and attitudes toward ECT were assessed using pre- and post-intervention questionnaires.
• Statistical analysis compared changes in knowledge and attitudes across groups.

Main Results:

• Students generally had fair knowledge of ECT indications, effects, and side effects but held misconceptions.
• A significant increase in knowledge and a shift toward more favorable attitudes were observed post-intervention compared to the control group.
• Neither the video nor the pamphlet format demonstrated superiority in improving knowledge or attitudes.

Conclusions:

• Educational interventions, including videos and pamphlets, effectively increase knowledge and improve attitudes toward ECT.
• Accessible educational materials are crucial for correcting misconceptions and fostering positive perceptions of ECT.
• Tailored educational strategies can benefit individuals considering ECT.