Practice of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Catalonia in 2022: Results From a Large Cross-Sectional Survey

The practice of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) exhibits variability across various domains, both between regions, and between centers within the same region. The ECT Working Group of the Catalan Society of Psychiatry conducted a comprehensive survey in Catalonia, Spain, to assess the current status of those variables essential in the clinical practice of ECT.

The survey comprised 50 items, including various question types such as multiple-choice, numerical response, and open-ended questions. It was administered to the 20 public hospitals that currently provide ECT in Catalonia during the year 2022. Information was gathered on 4 main areas: Organization of the ECT Unit, Specific Technique of ECT Application, Strategies and Organization of the Therapeutic Plan, and Epidemiological Data, Training, and Healthcare Resource Management.

Some notable findings include an application rate of 1.1 per 10,000 inhabitants, major depression diagnosis as the primary indication for ECT in 80% of the centers, and the ability to perform maintenance ECT in 100% of centers.

Following the survey and analysis, 3 main findings emerged: minimal variation in ECT application rates compared to the previous decade, increased complexity in current ECT practices with a focus on quality and patient safety, and identified areas for improvement in resource management and the necessity for a well-trained and stable multidisciplinary team.