Survey of Core Trainees' Confidence in Electroconvulsive Therapy

The objective of the survey was to assess confidence in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in core psychiatry trainees across Scotland, looking at both theoretical and practical aspects of ECT.

A link to a 14-item electronic questionnaire was distributed to core trainees via deanery administrators. Most questions were based on the Royal College of Psychiatry's ECT guidelines.

A total of 85 responses were analyzed from trainees at all 3 levels of core training and from all health boards across Scotland. Almost 90% of trainees felt that their ECT training was sufficient, with more senior trainees rating their training better than those in the first year of training. Trainees who had theoretical teaching before their practical sessions rated their training better than those with purely observational training. Most trainees felt confident delivering ECT under supervision, and nearly 75% of trainees felt confident preparing a patient for ECT. The areas in which trainees felt least confident were in practical aspects such as dosing protocols and electroencephalogram interpretation.

While ECT training and trainee confidence in delivering ECT were generally good, there are variations in trainees' experience that could be addressed by having a standardized ECT training, including theoretical teaching and practical competencies, in line with current guidelines. Ideally, evidence of meeting the Royal College recommendations for ECT competencies could be made a compulsory aspect of core training in the United Kingdom.