Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

Registered Mental Health Nursing (RMN)

PREPARING A PATIENT FOR ELECTRO-CONVULSIVE THERAPY (ECT)

Electro-Convulsive Therapy is both psychological and physical treatment prescribed by the psychiatrist. The nurse initiates and prepares the patient for the procedure to ensure that he/she undergoes a safe ECT and avoid complications. ECT is often prescribed when other treatments are unsuccessful. ECT is indicated for severe depression, catatonic schizophrenia, post-partum psychosis etc.

Purpose

  • Reduce fear and anxiety
  • Ensure patient’s safety
  • Treatment purposes
  • Enhance recovery

Equipment

  • Vital signs tray
  • BP apparatus
  • Patient’s folder (Electronic/Manual)
  • TPR and BP chart

Procedure steps

  • Advance preparation
  • Ensure E.C.T has been prescribed
  • Inform patient and relative(s) about date and time
  • Ensure nil per os
  • Develop goals for preparing patient for E.C.T
  • Preparing patient emotionally
  • Preparing patient physically
  • Educate patient and relative(s) on E.C.T
  • Ensure consent form is signed
  • Establish rapport (refer procedure) and explain procedure to patient and relative(s)
  • Encourage patient and relative(s) to ask questions and respond appropriately
  • Refer questions beyond you to the ward in charge
  • Supervise/ assist patient to maintain his/her personal hygiene
  • Check if patient has signed the consent form
  • Ensure nil per os
  • Remove all jewelry (hair pin, watch, rings, etc.)
  • Remove tight clothing and give patient loose gown to wear
  • Remove dentures, label and put them in safe place
  • Check vital signs and record
  • Ensure all laboratory investigations/ anaesthetic assessment are carried out
  • Document and report on the physical and mental state of the patient as well as the time of departure to the ECT department in the nurses’ notes/patient’s folder
  • Accompany patient to the ECT department, introduce and hand him/ her over to the ECT staff

References and further reading

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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