Anaesthetists' views of electroconvulsive therapy clinics

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) involves the close collaboration of psychiatrists and anaesthetists (Freeman et al, 1987). The Royal College of Psychiatrists' audits of ECT in 1980 (Pippard & Ellam, 1981) and 1991 (Pippard, 1992a, 1992b) relied on psychiatrists rating the facilities and performance of staff in ECT clinics. In contrast we are unaware of any research assessing anaesthetists' views of ECT clinics. Considering their different roles and expectations, opinions may well differ. To investigate this possibility we conducted a survey between November 1990 and February 1991.