P Sienaert1, M Dierick, G Degraeve, J Peuskens. 1. ECT Department, Center Sint-Jozef, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuvensesteenweg 517, 3070 Kortenberg, Belgium. pascal.sienaert@uc-kortenberg.be
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review and describe the practice of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Belgium. METHODS: A 30-item questionnaire on the practice of ECT was sent to all institutions providing ECT. RESULTS: In 2003 ECT was offered in 32 hospitals. Although ECT hospitals are equally spread over three regions, there is a significant difference in the ECT utilization rate. There are no major regional differences in the practice of ECT. Fifty-three percent of the hospitals reported less than 10 treatment sessions per month. The major indication for ECT was depression (89.7%). Propofol was the anesthetic most commonly used (75%). Eleven departments (34.3%) used a sine wave device. Bitemporal electrode placement was the preferred option in 65.6% of all departments, and 37% of these used the combination of bitemporal electrode placement and a fixed high stimulus dose. Continuation ECT and outpatient ECT were rarely used. LIMITATIONS: This questionnaire study relies upon answers given by psychiatrists, and did not audit actual practices. CONCLUSIONS: Although ECT is widely available in Belgium, it remains underused and the practice of ECT is amenable for improvement. Guidelines should be implemented and continuing education is needed.
OBJECTIVE: To review and describe the practice of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Belgium. METHODS: A 30-item questionnaire on the practice of ECT was sent to all institutions providing ECT. RESULTS: In 2003 ECT was offered in 32 hospitals. Although ECT hospitals are equally spread over three regions, there is a significant difference in the ECT utilization rate. There are no major regional differences in the practice of ECT. Fifty-three percent of the hospitals reported less than 10 treatment sessions per month. The major indication for ECT was depression (89.7%). Propofol was the anesthetic most commonly used (75%). Eleven departments (34.3%) used a sine wave device. Bitemporal electrode placement was the preferred option in 65.6% of all departments, and 37% of these used the combination of bitemporal electrode placement and a fixed high stimulus dose. Continuation ECT and outpatient ECT were rarely used. LIMITATIONS: This questionnaire study relies upon answers given by psychiatrists, and did not audit actual practices. CONCLUSIONS: Although ECT is widely available in Belgium, it remains underused and the practice of ECT is amenable for improvement. Guidelines should be implemented and continuing education is needed.
Authors: Pia Nordanskog; Martin Hultén; Mikael Landén; Johan Lundberg; Lars von Knorring; Axel Nordenskjöld Journal: J ECT Date: 2015-12 Impact factor: 3.635