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Development of Electroconvulsive Therapy Training Package for first Level Nurses

Following the publication of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) A Good Practice Statement (CRAG) 1997 and the commencement of the National Audit of ECT in Scotland (SEAN) the Quality & Effectiveness Department, taking cognisance of data being collected nationally completed a local audit to measure local compliance against national recommendations. Included in the local objectives was the assessment of training programmes that were in place for first level nurses involved with the delivery of ECT. The conclusion being that there was currently no recognised structured training in place and that concerns had already been raised to myself from nurses due to practice changes which met with national recommendations.

A proposal was submitted to the Clinical Effectiveness Committee in April 1998 for consideration of funding to develop the training package. The committee requested a baseline audit to determine the level of knowledge amongst nurses prior to training. A questionnaire was given to eleven first level nurses, the result of the audit clearly identifying the need for training. In June 1998 funding was granted and the pilot training package was in place by February 1999. The pilot was evaluated after twelve months with questionnaires being sent out to the eight nurses who at the time had completed the training. Seven of these were returned with 100% identifying that the training had been of benefit.

Key Training areas are:

  1. Preparation of patients
  2. Safe delivery of ECT and stimulus dosing
  3. Recovery care
  4. Equipment
  5. Hamilton cuff technique
  6. Physical preparation of the clinic
  7. Legal aspects
  8. ECT protocols and documentation

The training programme is a 59 page document and depending on clinical session times available takes ten weeks from start to finish.

Mrs Sandra Burn
ECT Nurse Co-ordinator (Staff Nurse)
Ayrshire & Arran Primary Care NHS Trust
C/O Kyle Ward
Ailsa Hospital
Dalmellington Road
AYR
KA6 6 AB

Tel: 01292 610556 (ext. 3118/3119)
Fax: 01292 513027