Current knowledge and attitudes of psychiatric nurses toward electroconvulsive therapy

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed the current knowledge and attitudes of psychiatric nurses toward electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Design and methods: A quantitative, nonexperimental study was conducted at a large psychiatric hospital in the United States. The Questionnaire on Attitudes and Knowledge (QuAKE) Scale was used to conduct the assessment among a convenient sample of 158 psychiatric nurses.

Findings: Participants' responses to questions that elicited knowledge of ECT ranged from 45% to 99% and positive attitudes ranged from 21% to 96%, revealing increased levels when compared with the low to average knowledge and positive attitudes noted in previous studies.

Practice implications: Targeted ECT education is needed among psychiatric nurses with limited knowledge and negative attitudes toward ECT.

Keywords: QuAKE scale; attitudes; electroconvulsive therapy; knowledge; psychiatric nurses.