Patterns of electroconvulsive therapy use in Spain.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Neuroscience
• Healthcare Services Research

Background:

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains a vital treatment for severe mental health conditions.
• Understanding its current utilization patterns and geographical variations is crucial for equitable healthcare delivery in Spain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the utilization, geographical distribution, and adaptation of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) within the Spanish healthcare system.
• To identify factors influencing the application of ECT across different Spanish Autonomous Communities.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide cross-sectional study surveyed all hospitals with a Psychiatry Unit (PU) in Spain (N=233).
• Descriptive analysis of questionnaire responses from PUs that prescribe and apply ECT (n=174) and those that only apply it (n=108).
• Calculation of ECT application rates per 10,000 inhabitants, stratified by Autonomous Community.

Main Results:

• 25.3% of PUs did not prescribe or apply ECT; 46.4% prescribed and applied it.
• Units with training responsibilities and larger bed capacity were more likely to apply ECT.
• An annual ECT rate of 0.61 per 10,000 inhabitants was estimated, with significant regional variation (0.28-16.59).

Conclusions:

• This study provides reliable data on ECT use and characteristics in Spain.
• Significant variability in ECT application rates exists across Spanish Autonomous Communities.
• Further research into the drivers of these geographical disparities in ECT utilization is warranted.