Patient knowledge about electroconvulsive therapy: effect of an informational video

We wished to ascertain whether the addition of an informational video to the informed consent procedure for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) results in improved patient knowledge about ECT. Eighteen ECT patients were randomized to consent using the usual written document or using the written document and an informational video. The two groups were similar when compared on demographic variables and scores on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Each subject, just after signing the informed consent document, was administered an 8-question ECT knowledge questionnaire. The addition of an informational video to the consent process for ECT did not result in improved knowledge about ECT. Poor knowledge about ECT might be accounted for by unsuccessful communication from the doctors or cognitive impairment and apathy on the part of the patients. One benefit of the video was increased interest from family members in ECT and the consent process.