Practical training in the administration of ECT

Abstract

Aims and methodElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) Is widely used In Britain and in most cases is administered by junior doctors. Many are inexperienced in its administration and the variety of machines available makes acquiring experience difficult. This report discusses a unique training programme involving a specially constructed ‘dummy patient’.ResultsThis allows trainees to experience the practical administration of ECT and also learn in detail about the working of the ECT machine and the interpretation of electroencephalograms prior to giving treatment to patients.Clinical implicationsWe believe this training device will have a significant positive effect on the way junior doctors are trained in ECT.