Preliminary Assessment of Pre-Electroconvulsive Therapy Evaluation Practices in European Countries The Need for Guidelines

Objectives: Pre-electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) evaluation is an essential part of ECT preparation, a standard treatment in the psychiatric field. However, no routine pre-ECT evaluation has been published so far. This preliminary study aimed to explore different practices in pre-ECT evaluation across European countries. Methods: The data were collected as a snowball sample approach using an online survey from September 2019 to April 2020. The final analysis included data from 18 clinics placed in 16 European countries. Results: Regulations on the pre-ECT evaluation were found in 9 countries. All clinics reported doing complete blood count, serum electrolytes, and renal function analysis as a part of regular laboratory testing, alongside with a cardiovascular assessment. Ten clinics reported using psychiatric scales. Six clinics reported doing a cognitive assessment, of which all had regulations on the pre-ECT evaluation. Not one evaluation had the same sets of procedures and diagnostics. Conclusions: The differences in assessment approaches minor high variability of the pre-ECT evaluation practice across Europe. Cognitive assessment and objectification of psychiatric symptoms should be a regular part of the pre-ECT evaluation because of the monitoring of the most common adverse effect and observing the clinical response to ECT. Standardization of the pre-ECT evaluation and ECT in general would remove criticisms and opposition to the treatment, make it based on the best of our knowledge, and provide a method respectful of patients' best interests and rights.

Automated summary

This study aimed to explore the different practices in pre-electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) evaluation across European countries. Data from 18 clinics in 16 European countries were collected through an online survey and revealed significant variability in assessment approaches. The study suggests the inclusion of cognitive assessment and objective quantification of psychiatric symptoms in pre-ECT evaluation, as well as the standardization of ECT evaluation and treatment.